FROM FOX NEWS: Updated cancer screening guidance has reportedly caused a spike in diagnoses among younger Americans.
According to two studies by the American Cancer Society (ACS), there’s been a recent surge in colorectal cancer in people aged 45 to 49.
ACS scientists found that after 15 years of stable colorectal cancer (CRC) trends, U.S. diagnoses of local-stage disease skyrocketed in this age group from 2019 to 2022 — including a 50% relative increase from 2021 to 2022.
Lead author Jessica Star, associate scientist at ACS in Atlanta, is optimistic that rise in screening among younger individuals will lead to earlier-stage diagnoses.
“However, we still have a long way to go,” she said in a press release. “Screening for colorectal cancer in ages 45 to 49 remains suboptimal, and has not increased equitably by both educational attainment and insurance status.”
“It is promising news, because the uptick in cases is likely due to first-time screening in the wake of new recommendations for younger, average-risk adults to begin testing for colorectal cancer earlier,” lead author Elizabeth Schafer, an associate scientist and cancer researcher at ACS, commented in a press release.
Lowering the colorectal cancer screening age to 45 is supported by similar adenoma detection rates between those aged 45 to 49 and those aged 50 to 54, with slightly lower prevalence in the younger group. https://t.co/SEhtBBROZH @jeffleemd pic.twitter.com/Tv19JLZTLl
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) August 5, 2025
More Americans aged 45-49 are getting screened for colon cancer and it’s making a difference. Two new studies show a 62% jump in screenings since 2019, leading to a rise in early-stage diagnoses and offering better odds for treatment and survival. CBS News’ @DrLaPook explains.… pic.twitter.com/qqIY0ZWRKd
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 4, 2025
New @CDC study shows 2 in 3 adults aged 45-49 have never been screened for colorectal cancer. If you’re 45 or older, don’t wait—talk to your doctor about your colorectal cancer screening options today. https://t.co/XAXdSyUDQx pic.twitter.com/uNFHSqDg2c
— CDC Cancer (@CDC_Cancer) August 7, 2025
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