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Rise in Colorectal Cancer Among Younger Adults Prompts Push for Screening at 45

Catching cancer at Stage I or II raises five-year survival above 90%.

Overview

  • An Atlanta primary care doctor said more young adults are being found at later stages and urged people to get screened as soon as they are eligible.
  • National guidance recommends routine colon screening at 45 for average-risk adults, with earlier testing for those with a family history or bowel disease.
  • Colorectal cancer is now the leading cancer killer under 50, yet only about one-third of cases are caught early when five-year survival tops 90%.
  • Physicians advise watching for blood in stool, lasting changes in bowel habits or stool size, abdominal pain, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
  • Survivors such as Disney executive Mitch Gubin, diagnosed at stage 1 after a routine test at 45, are urging peers to get checked and promoting a May 16 kickball fundraiser in Uniondale to support research and awareness.