Sanford Health Changes Recommended Age for Colorectal Screenings

Sanford Health is updating its recommendation for when to get a colorectal cancer screening. Those at average risk should start regular screenings at age 45, which is lowered from age 50.  According to the CDC, while colorectal cancer rates have decreased for people over 50 years old, they have climbed 51% since 1994 for those under 50. Lowering the recommended age for a screening will help detect an issue early before symptoms begin and when the cancer is most preventable.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable malignancies through routine screening tests that can intercept and detect the disease early. Patients can get colorectal cancer even without family history or risk factors. Lowering the recommended age will make colorectal cancer screenings more accessible to the 45 and older population through insurance coverage, which is important for catching colorectal cancer earlier when it’s most treatable.

As we enter March, which is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, it’s a great time to schedule a colonoscopy or other screening to protect yourself. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women, but all it takes is one day and one screening to safeguard your health.

For more information about screenings, visit SanfordHealth.org/colorectal-cancer-screenings