The 45 Is the New 50: Why Millennials Are Moving Up Their Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer was once considered a disease that primarily affects older adults. However, screening recommendations 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 for average-risk adults. This change is driven by the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults, including millennials. If you're in this age group, it's essential to understand why these screenings are so important and how screening recommendations apply to your individual risk . Why Millennials Are Moving Up Their Colon Cancer Screening The updated screening guidelines by the ACS and USPSTF reflect a significant shift in how we approach colon cancer prevention. As of 2021, average-risk adults are encouraged to begin screening at age 45 instead of 50. According to the American Cancer Society's 2026 statistics , colorectal cancer incidence increased by approximately 3% annuall...