Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains one of the most common. The reason is simple: too many people wait to get screened. The good news is that screening can find colon cancer early, when it is most treatable, and in many cases, it can prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
That is why today, medical guidelines recommend that most adults begin colon cancer screening at age 45.
Why the screening age changed to 45
For years, colon cancer screening commonly started at age 50. But research has shown a steady rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger adults. More people in their 40s are being diagnosed than in previous generations, often with few or no warning signs.
Because of this shift, experts lowered the recommended screening age to 45 to help catch disease earlier and reduce preventable deaths.
Colon cancer does not always cause symptoms
One of the biggest misconceptions about colon cancer is that you will “feel something” if there is a problem. In reality, colon cancer can develop quietly for years. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may be more advanced.
Even common symptoms like bloating, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort can be mistaken for stress, diet changes, or other non-serious conditions. Screening helps identify concerns before they become serious, and often before you notice anything at all.
Screening can prevent cancer, not just detect it
Colon cancer often starts as a small growth in the colon called a polyp. Most polyps are not cancerous at first, but some can develop into cancer over time.
This is what makes colon cancer screening so powerful: certain screening tests can find and remove polyps early, stopping cancer before it starts. That is prevention in action.
Why starting at 45 matters
When colon cancer is found early, outcomes are significantly better. Early-stage colon cancer is more treatable and often requires less intensive treatment. Screening at 45 gives people a head start at a time when cancer risk begins to rise.
Starting on time also builds a long-term habit of preventive care. Screening is not just a one-time decision. It is part of staying proactive about your health for decades to come.
What screening options are available?
Many people avoid screening because they assume it automatically means a colonoscopy. While colonoscopy is an excellent option and the most comprehensive screening test, it is not the only option for everyone.
Depending on your personal health history, family history, and risk level, your GI Alliance physician may recommend:
- Colonoscopy, which examines the entire colon and can remove polyps during the same procedure
- At-home stool-based tests, which may be appropriate for average-risk individuals in certain situations
The most important step is not choosing the “perfect” test. It is choosing the test that fits you and getting screened on time.
Talk to a GI Alliance physician
If you are 45 or older, now is the right time to start the conversation. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, certain digestive conditions, or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend screening earlier.
Colon cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to protect your health, and it could save your life.
Take the next step today: schedule a visit with a GI Alliance physician to discuss your screening options and create a plan that is right for you.
