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Younger Adults See Increased Colorectal Cancer Screenings Following Age Guideline Shift. A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant rise in colorectal cancer screenings among younger adults after the recommended starting age was lowered to 45, NBC News reports. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's decision to lower the age from 50 to 45 helped make these screenings more accessible by ensuring insurance coverage. Over the past two decades, cases of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 have increased, leading to the recommendation shift. Screening rates for adults aged 45-49 tripled, increasing from 0.5% to 1.5% in the first 18 months after the guideline change. While screening rates increased overall, individuals from wealthier areas saw the largest improvements, highlighting ongoing disparities in healthcare access. About 11% of colorectal cancer cases occur in people under 50, underlining the importance of early detection. Having insurance remains a crucial factor in determining access to timely cancer screening. Increased use of noninvasive tests like Cologuard and Shield may have contributed to the rise in screenings, offering alternatives to colonoscopies. Despite the availability of noninvasive methods, colonoscopy remains the most reliable screening tool, especially for high-risk individuals. Experts hope that growing awareness around the new screening guidelines will lead to further increases in early detection.
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