A colonoscopy can save your life. And a change in the guidelines for who should get one and when means that millions of more Americans are now eligible for screenings.
In May of this year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) — an independent panel of experts — recommended that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45 for adults at average risk. Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum — the lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
The task force found research showing that lowering the age to 45 could avoid more early deaths than starting at age 50 — the previous threshold for average-risk adults.* This follows some sobering trends about the disease in the U.S., including:
- Rates of colorectal cancer climbed by almost 15 percent from 2000-2002 to 2014-2016 among people ages 40 to 49.
- Approximately 10.5 percent of new colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people younger than 50.
Dr. Michael Goldfarb, a Medical Director at Horizon and gastroenterologist, noted that colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. More than 50,000 people in the U.S. are projected to die of colorectal cancer in 2021. Colorectal cancer is most frequently diagnosed among people ages 65 to 74. Due to increased screenings, colorectal cancer rates in this age group have declined steadily since the mid-1980s.
“Colorectal cancer screenings can save lives, but it takes the willingness of the patient — particularly younger ones — to follow medical guidelines and the recommendations of their doctors and commit to a screening,” Dr. Goldfarb said. “That means people ages 45 to 75 should be screened to reduce their risk of dying from colorectal cancer, as recommended by the USPSTF.”
The USPSTF recommendation does not apply to people at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer. This group may need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45, be screened more often, and possibly undergo other tests. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or think you may be at high risk for colorectal cancer for other reasons, speak with your doctor.
Avoid an unhealthy lifestyle
In addition to regular screenings, you can take steps to avoid an unhealthy lifestyle and lower your risk of colorectal cancer:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat healthy foods
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol intake
- Maintain a healthy weight
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