HomeCurrent Print IssueCanadian Cancer Society urges lowering colorectal cancer screening age to 45

Canadian Cancer Society urges lowering colorectal cancer screening age to 45

Current Print IssueOncology

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Kristie Jones

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is calling on provinces and territories to lower the start age of organized colorectal cancer screening programs to 45 for people at average risk, from the current age of 50. This call comes amidst mounting evidence that colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults in Canada.

Over recent decades, incidence of colorectal cancer has significantly increased among people younger than 50 in Canada, with the likelihood of a diagnosis now 2 to 2.5 times higher than previous generations of the same age. Recent modelling published this week by Canadian researchers shows that with this growing trend, lowering the start age to 45 would result in over 15,000 fewer colorectal cancer cases and 6,100 fewer deaths over the next 45 years.

Research also shows that younger adults are more frequently diagnosed with colorectal cancer at later stages, with stage III and IV being most common. When found early, survival rates for colorectal cancer are about 90%, compared to less than 15% when found at advanced stages. Access to screening is critical to help find more cancers early when treatment can be more effective, or even while it’s still precancerous and preventable.

“Current colorectal cancer screening guidelines are failing to meet the evolving needs of people under 50,” says Brandon Purcell, Advocacy Manager of Prevention and Early Detection at the Canadian Cancer Society. “When the context changes, our healthcare systems must change with it. We are urging provinces and territories to respond to this evidence by lowering the screening age. This change will save more lives.”

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Canadians, behind lung cancer. It is estimated that by 2030, about 15% of colorectal cancer cases globally will be diagnosed in adults below the age of 50. Screening for colorectal cancer is easy and convenient. It starts with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or stool test that checks your poop (stool) for blood.

With trends showing an increase in colorectal cancer incidence in younger populations, reviewing screening start age and updating colorectal cancer screening program guidelines falls to provinces and territories. Across Canada, nearly all jurisdictions offer organized screening for people ages 50 to 74 at average risk, while Nunavut and Quebec have announced or planned their screening programs. At this time, no governments have announced plans to expand screening eligibility in light of new evidence.

 

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