Colon cancer ranks as the third most common cancer diagnosed in adults across the United States. For years, doctors recommended starting screening at age 50. The American Cancer Society changed this guideline in 2018. The new recommendation moves colon cancer screening to age 45. Why the change? Rates of colon cancer in younger adults keep rising. Early screening saves lives. Colon cancer awareness drives early action. Here are seven reasons to begin screening for colon cancer at 45.

Colon cancer rates rise in younger adults

Cases of colorectal cancer in people under 50 have grown for two decades. The American Cancer Society lowered the colon cancer screening age from 50 to 45 because of this trend. Younger patients often receive diagnoses at later stages, which makes treatment harder and outcomes worse. Starting screening earlier gives doctors a head start on prevention and detection. Your 45th birthday marks a key health milestone worth honoring with a screening appointment.

Early detection saves lives

Colon cancer found early has a five-year survival rate of about 90 percent. Late-stage diagnosis drops survival rates below 15 percent. The difference comes down to timing. Screening at 45 gives you the best chance to catch issues before symptoms appear. Most people with early-stage colon cancer go on to live long, healthy lives after treatment. Waiting until 50 risks missing the window of best outcomes.

Polyps grow silently for years

Most colon cancers start as small growths called polyps in the colon lining. These polyps grow without pain or warning signs over many years. A colonoscopy spots them early. Your doctor removes them during the same procedure, stopping cancer before it forms, and it’s worth understanding how a colonoscopy differs from a sigmoidoscopy when weighing your options.

This single step prevents thousands of cancer cases each year in the US. No other cancer screening offers both detection and prevention in one visit.

Family history raises your risk

If a parent, sibling, or child had colon cancer, your risk doubles. People with a family history sometimes need screening even earlier than 45. Genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome also raise risk. Talk to your doctor about your family medical history during your visit. Sharing details helps your doctor build a personalized screening plan for you.

Symptoms appear too late

Colon cancer often shows no symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. By the time warning signs appear, the disease has progressed. Late-stage symptoms include:

• Blood in stool
• Changes in bowel habits
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Screening finds problems before symptoms start. Do not wait for warning signs to appear. Trust the screening schedule, not your body’s signals. Prevention works best when you act before symptoms surface.

Screening options fit your lifestyle

You have choices for colon cancer screening. Options include:

• A colonoscopy every 10 years
• Stool-based tests every 1 to 3 years
• CT colonography every 5 years
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

A colonoscopy gives the most thorough view and removes polyps in the same visit. Stool tests offer a non-invasive starting point at home. However, if your test is abnormal or positive, it is recommended that you follow up with a colonoscopy, which still remains the gold standard with decades of proven results and gives patients peace of mind. Talk to your doctor about which option works best for you.

Insurance covers preventive screening

The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover colon cancer screening for adults aged 45 and older with no out-of-pocket cost. Your screening costs you nothing in most cases. Medicare also covers screening for eligible members starting at 45. Check with your insurer to confirm coverage before your appointment. Cost should never stand between you and a life-saving test.

Take action today

Schedule your colon cancer screening at age 45 or sooner if you have risk factors. Prevention beats treatment every time. Speak with your primary care doctor about screening options and book your appointment within the next month. Colon cancer awareness saves lives. Your next step starts with one phone call. Reach out to your doctor’s office or patient portal to book your screening today.