LOWERING SCREENING AGE LEADS TO SPIKE IN EARLY-STAGE COLON CANCER DIAGNOSES
WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 7, 2025: A new JAMA study says that when they lowered the colon cancer screening age to 45 from 50, more people in the 45-49 group got diagnosed with early-stage cancer. This shows the new rules are probably helping catch the disease when it’s easier to treat.
The Data Behind the Diagnosis Spike
The study analyzed data from 2004 to 2022 and found that while the overall incidence of colon cancer in adults between 20 and 44 has been increasing steadily, the most dramatic change occurred in the 45-to-49 age bracket.
- Between 2019 and 2022, the annual incidence of colon cancer in this newly eligible group rose by 12% each year.
- The most striking finding was a sharp increase in localized tumors, with an annual percentage change of approximately 22%.
- From 2021 to 2022 alone, the diagnosis of localized tumors in this age group jumped by 50%, a spike that was not seen in any other age group.
This surge in diagnoses of early-stage tumors is a direct result of the recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ACS) in 2018 and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2021 to lower the screening age to 45.
Decoding the Data: Why Colon Cancer Numbers Are Up
Doctors want to make it clear: the rising numbers don’t equal more people suddenly getting colon cancer. It just means the updated screening advice is doing its job by catching cases that were missed before.
This is exactly the result you want from a public health screening program, explains Dr. Jessica Star, the study’s main author. We’re finding unseen cancers early through initial screenings, which is the main aim. If not found, these cancers could have gotten much worse in five years.
This study shows why taking charge of your health matters so much. While colon cancer is increasing in young adults for reasons we’re still figuring out—like habits, food, and where we live—the new screening advice is a great way to spot it early and do something about it.
Why Finding It Early Is Huge
Finding cancer early can really change things for patients. Doctors say the chance of living five years after finding colon cancer in its early stages is very high. Often, less intense treatment is needed. Sometimes, it’s just a precancerous growth that can be taken out during a colonoscopy, stopping cancer from even occurring.
However, if the cancer spreads, the odds drop a lot. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a colon surgeon, points out, “The best way to handle colon cancer is before it spreads.” People who get tested regularly are more likely to be diagnosed when they have the best options for treatment.
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What This Means for Everyone
This study backs up the view that all adults should begin colon cancer screening at 45. The best way to screen remains a colonoscopy every decade, because it finds and removes precancerous growths during the procedure. Other solid choices are yearly stool tests or a stool DNA test every three years.
These early diagnoses are solid proof that preventive health steps work. It sends a key message: getting screened isn’t just doctor’s advice; it’s making a move that could save your life by catching a silent killer before it’s too late.
