The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of early detection. The new recommendations suggest that adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45 and continue until age 75, provided they have a life expectancy of more than 10 years.

New Screening Options

In addition to the traditional colonoscopy, the ACS now recommends a blood-based screening test available in doctor’s offices. This test is designed to detect tumor DNA in the blood, offering a less invasive option for patients. An at-home screening option that checks for hidden blood and molecular markers in stool samples is also suggested.

These changes reflect advancements in disease detection and aim to expand screening options, making them more accessible. Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at the ACS, stated that colorectal cancer should be seen as a highly preventable disease, as well as treatable. He emphasized that offering more screening tools can help close the screening gap and catch more cancers at an earlier, treatable stage.

Rising Cases in Younger Adults

The update comes amid a surge in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger adults. Recent research from the ACS revealed a 50% increase in diagnoses among adults aged 45 to 49 from 2021 to 2022. Experts, including Dr. Aparna Parikh from the Mass General Cancer Center, are still investigating the reasons behind this rise, considering factors such as diet, environment, and lifestyle.

Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the ACS, stressed the importance of screening for all eligible adults, including underserved and minority populations. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates, with studies showing a five-year survival rate of over 90% when cancer is caught at an early stage.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Known risk factors for colorectal cancer include heavy alcohol consumption, family history, obesity, smoking, and diets high in red and processed meats. Symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, fatigue due to anemia, abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss should not be ignored, according to experts like Dr. Eitan Friedman from the Sheba Medical Center in Israel.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.