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The 45 Is the New 50: Why Millennials Are Moving Up Their Colon Cancer Screening

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Key Takeaways Millennials are experiencing a rise in colorectal cancer rates, prompting earlier screenings at age 45. Lifestyle changes, obesity, and environmental factors contribute to the increase in younger adults. Colon cancer screening at 45 helps catch the disease early when it's more treatable. Insurance companies are required to cover screenings for average-risk adults starting at age 45. A colonoscopy is the most effective screening method, but stool tests like FIT are available as alternatives. Colon cancer was once considered a disease that primarily affects older adults. However, recent medical guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have shifted the conversation. Now, colon cancer screening begins at age 45 instead of 50. This change is driven by the alarming rise of colon cancer in millennials , particularly millennials. If you're in this age group, it's essential to understand why these screenings are so impor...

Preventing Colon Cancer With Screening for Colon Cancer and Colonoscopy

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  What Is Colon Cancer? Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, begins in the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It typically begins as small clumps of cells, known as polyps, that form on the inner lining of the colon. Over time, some polyps can develop into cancer if not removed. Risk factors include age, family history, diet, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and physical inactivity. Detecting these polyps early through screening greatly reduces the risk of cancer developing and improves treatment success if cancer is found. How Colonoscopy Prevents Colon Cancer Colon cancer screening can help prevent colon cancer to a great extent. Here are some of the ways it can help prevent you from this situation. 1. Detecting Precancerous Polyps Colonoscopy helps identify small growths that could turn into cancer later. 2. Removing Polyps Immediately Doctors can remove these polyps during the same procedure, stopping cancer before it starts. 3. Examining the Entire Colon It all...