45 is the New 50: The Importance of Screening
- Shelby Greiman
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
For years, turning 50 meant it was time to start thinking seriously about scheduling a colorectal screening. Doctors pointed to the same milestone: “Schedule your first colonoscopy at 50.”
Now, 45 is the new 50 when it comes to colorectal cancer screening.
Why the Screening Age has Shifted
In recent years, the screening age has dropped due to a rise in colorectal cancer rates among individuals under 50. While the reasons for this shift are still being studied, lifestyle factors, diet, and family history may play a role.
While the disease is more common in older individuals, scheduling your screening at 45 can reduce your risk and help medical professionals find and remove polyps sooner. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if screening is done on time.
Screening tests can:
Detect cancer before symptoms begin
Identify precancerous polyps that can be removed by a medical professional
Reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer
Early detection minimizes risk and improves outcomes. When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage, the five-year survival rate can exceed 90%.
Screening Options:
Colonoscopy (typically every 10 years if normal)
Stool-based tests that look for hidden blood or DNA markers
CT colonography (sometimes called a virtual colonoscopy)
ABOUT BROOKINGS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAM
BCCAP is an SDSU student-led campaign dedicated to promoting colorectal cancer prevention and early detection through education and outreach. BCCAP works to increase awareness and help individuals learn about vital resources that support long-term well-being. For more information about BCCAP, visit brookingsccap.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Comments