What Younger Adults Can Do to Prevent Colon Cancer as Diagnoses Rise
James Grant, M.D.
| 3 min read
James D. Grant, M.D., is senior vice president and c...
Colon cancer screenings save lives. For many years, the guideline was to start colorectal cancer screening at age 50. In fact, the American Cancer Society reported last year that the incidence of colorectal cancer among those 65 and older has been declining, and has been steady among those aged 50 – 64.
However, the incidence of colorectal cancer has been rising among adults younger than age 50, including a three percent annual increase in the incidence of advanced cancer. Since 2021, the standard guidelines now recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for those at average risk. By starting screenings sooner, cancers can be detected earlier when they are easier to treat.
Those at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer may need to start screening earlier than age 45.
How to know one's risk of colorectal cancer
Adults may have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer if any of the following circumstances apply:
- There is a family history of colorectal cancer. This is particularly important if a parent, sibling or child was diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 60.
- The individual experiences symptoms of colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy may be recommended if the individual has ongoing changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain, or chronic diarrhea/constipation.
- The individual has inflammatory bowel disease. IBD conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can increase an individual's risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Polyps have been found. If an individual has had a prior procedure where polyps were found, they may need follow-up screenings to check for colorectal cancer.
- The individual has had radiation therapy in the belly area. Those who have had radiation for a prior cancer in the abdominal or pelvic region may be at higher risk for colorectal cancer and may need screening more frequently than the standard.
- The individual has a particular genetic condition. Some conditions, such as Lynch Syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), can raise the risk of colon cancer development.
It’s important for individuals to be aware of their risks and talk with their physician to determine if earlier screenings are recommended.
Colorectal cancer screening methods
While colonoscopies are the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancers in their earliest stages, other screening methods may apply. A discussion with a primary care provider will help determine the best screening method. Types of screenings include:
- Colonoscopy: allows a physical view of the entire colon and rectum.
- CT colonography: allows a view of the colon and rectum via a computed image.
- Sigmoidoscopy: allows a physical view of the rectum and part of the colon.
- Stool tests: There are two types of stool tests, which are laboratory tests that examine chemicals or blood in a small sample of stool.
Typically, an abnormal result on a stool test will require further testing with a colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer screening tests are required by the Affordable Care Act to be covered by insurance with no out-of-pocket costs to the patient. However, if a screening test is abnormal and leads to further diagnostic testing, patients may incur some costs.
Individuals should check with their insurance plan to see:
- Which screening options are covered and at what ages
- Under what circumstances a test may be considered diagnostic
- How much the individual’s out-of-pocket expenses might be for a diagnostic test
It’s never too early for young adults to understand their risk of colon cancer, and to stay up-to-date on colorectal cancer screenings. When caught in its earliest stages, colorectal cancer is highly treatable.
James D. Grant, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips and information, visit MIBlueDaily.com.
Photo credit: Getty Images
