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Young-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise, so it’s important to get screened on time. 

You should start screening at age 45.

Your current health history puts you at average risk for colorectal cancer, which means there are several screening options right for you, including lower-cost methods to ensure your health. Talk to a health care provider about getting checked starting at age 45. Remember, the most common symptom of colon cancer and rectal cancer is no symptom.

Lower-Cost Screening Methods


STOOL-DNA 

At home, people of average risk collect a sample stool and mail it to a lab for analysis. The lab looks for abnormal DNA and blood in the stool, which can indicate cancer. A positive test requires a follow-up colonoscopy. 

FIT (FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST) 

Just like a stool-DNA test, average-risk users take a sample and place it on a card for analysis. Some tests are sent to a lab for analysis, and some tests can be completed at home. The test alerts for blood that can’t be seen. A positive test requires a follow-up colonoscopy.

Rising Risk of Young-Onset CRC


Risk for colorectal cancer increases with age, but the average age of diagnosis is dropping. Today, more than 1 in 10 colorectal cancer patients are under the age of 50. The youngest people eligible for colorectal cancer screening often wait or are not referred to a screening until later, especially if they seem healthy. As a result, young people are diagnosed with advanced cancer at a higher rate than older people. Researchers have not determined what is driving the increasing rate of colorectal cancer in young people. 

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer, or CRC, refers to colon cancer and rectal cancer. One in 24 people will get colorectal cancer in their lifetime, but most people have the power to prevent it!

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