New guidelines say Colon and rectal cancer screenings should start at 45

According to recent CNN reports, if you're in your mid-40s and haven't had your colon checked, it might be time.

The American Cancer Society's newly updated guidelines for colon and rectal cancer screening recommend that adults at average risk get screened starting at age 45 instead of 50, as previously advised.

Persons of “average risk,” include those without conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), and positive family history of colorectal neoplasia (adenoma or CRC). The updated guidelines come on the heels of what seems to be a rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults.

What explains the rise in colorectal cancer in younger adults? Only time can tell whether other leading health organizations follow in the American Cancer Society's footsteps with recommending screening for adults younger than 50.

The American Cancer Society endorses six kinds of screening exams; from inexpensive take-home, stool tests performed every year to standard colonoscopies done every ten years.

"All of these tests are good tests, and the choice should be offered to patients," said the cancer society's Dr. Rich Wender. "The best test is the test that gets done."

So word to the wise: eat healthy, workout, and get tested. Colorectal cancer preventable if caught early, so please get screened. Talk to your doctor today!

Sources:

https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/94/15/1126/2519846

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/colorectal-colon-cancer-screening-should-start-age-45-new-guidelines-say/

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/30/health/colon-rectal-cancer-screening-guidelines-study/index.html