The increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults is an epidemic within the cancer community. By 2030, 10.9 percent of all colon cancers and 22.9 percent of all rectal cancers will be diagnosed in patients younger than age 50. Together we must defy and redefine the odds. We fully endorse American Cancer Society's new proposed guideline that colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 for people at average risk.
If this new guideline is adopted, lives will be saved.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance established the Never Too Young Advisory Board so we may all join forces and take action around the issue of young-onset colorectal cancer. We plan to invest $10 million in critical research by 2021, which will include learning why we are seeing an increase in young-onset colorectal cancer, doubling the number of constituents we serve, and saving 100,000 lives by 2026 through increased screening.
Across America, our Never Too Young Advisory Board will work tirelessly to educate primary care physicians and gastrointestinal medical professionals around symptoms of young-onset colorectal cancer. We will challenge insurance companies to step up to the plate and protect the young-onset population. Today's action by the American Cancer Society does not mean colorectal cancer screening tests will now be covered by insurance plans.
We commend the American Cancer Society and fully endorse their commitment to saving lives.
Michael Sapienza, CEO
Colorectal Cancer Alliance