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Higher colon cancer rates may reflect earlier screening success

U.S. screenings now start at age 45 and may explain a rise in early colorectal cancer cases

A doctor and patient in an exam room look at a screen with an image of the patient's colon

Colorectal cancer screening, such as with a colonoscopy, increased among those aged 45 to 49 after the recommended start age changed. The screening may be behind a rise in early colorectal cancer cases for this group, a study suggests.

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By Aimee Cunningham

A recent uptick in new colorectal cancer cases in the United States among a key age group appears to be due to catching them early with screening.