The American College of Physicians (ACP) published updated clinical guidance recommending 50 as the age when clinicians should start screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients who are asymptomatic and at average risk. AGA stands united with other national advocacy organizations Fight CRC, Colon Cancer Coalition, Blue Hat Foundation, ABGH and ACG in upholding the United States Preventive Services Task Force’s (USPSTF) recommendations for colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45.
Since the USPSTF lowered the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45 in 2021, advocacy organizations and physician groups have worked hard to communicate this change and raise awareness to reach average-risk patients aged 45 and older who have not been screened. This change was made in direct response to the increase in the incidences of early-age onset colorectal cancer (EAO-CRC) and aligns with the American Cancer Society’s 2018 recommendation that screening begins at age 45. These recommendations have become even more urgent since JAMA released a report stating that by 2030 colorectal cancer is projected to be the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under 50.
