Colorectal cancer: red flags that may warrant screening before 45

Colorectal cancer deaths have risen among adults under 50, and health agencies recommend routine screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults; certain symptoms and risk factors can prompt earlier evaluation.

The article reports actor James Van Der Beek died of colorectal cancer and notes growing concern about the disease in younger adults. Medical experts say colorectal cancer is now a leading cause of cancer death for people under 50 and a major cause of cancer death in the U.S. Official guidance recommends routine screening from age 45 for average-risk adults. Experts also note that some people with symptoms or specific risk factors may be advised to have earlier evaluation. Key facts: - Colorectal cancer rates and deaths have increased among adults under 50, and adults 65 and younger now account for a larger share of new cases than in past decades. - Routine screening for average-risk adults is generally recommended to begin at age 45; common screening methods include stool-based tests and colonoscopy. - Red flags that can prompt earlier evaluation include persistent rectal bleeding or unexplained symptoms, a strong family history, inflammatory bowel disease, and hereditary syndromes such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis. Summary: Colorectal cancer is affecting more younger adults, and standard guidance calls for routine screening beginning at 45 while recognizing that symptoms or higher-risk conditions can lead to earlier evaluation. Undetermined at this time.