ACS released two studies showcasing the surge in colorectal cancer screening and early diagnosis among younger adults. 

In the first study, scientists found that after a stable 15-year trend, diagnoses of local-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) rose steeply in adults aged 45 – 49 years old during 2019 to 2022 in the United States, including a 50% relative increase from 2021 to 2022 (from 11.7 to 17.5 cases per 100,000). Local or early stage means the cancer is confined to the original site where it started and usually has no symptoms. The study is published Aug. 4 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

“These findings contrast with consistent increases of distant-stage diagnoses in this age group,” said Elizabeth Schafer, MPH, associate scientist, Surveillance and Health Equity Science, and lead author of the study. “It is promising news because the uptick of cases is likely due to first-time screening in the wake of new recommendations for younger average-risk adults to begin testing for colorectal cancer earlier.”

The recommended age to begin CRC screening was lowered from 50 to 45 years by ACS in 2018 and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2021.

In support of these findings, a second ACS led study also published Aug. 4 in JAMA reports that CRC screening among US adults 45 – 49 years of age increased by 62% from 2019 to 2023.

“It’s not only thrilling to see the increase in colorectal cancer screening among younger adults, but also how it likely ties into rises in earlier stage diagnosis as noted in the other ACS led paper,” said Jessica Star, MPH, MA, associate scientist, Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Surveillance Research, and lead author of this study. “However, we still have a long way to go. Screening for colorectal cancer in ages 45 – 49 remains suboptimal and has not increased equitably by both educational attainment and insurance status.”

Other ACS researchers contributing to these studies include senior authors Rebecca Siegel, MPH, and Dr. Priti Bandi, and co-authors Dr. Hyuna Sung, Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, and Dr. Robert Smith.