Colorectal Cancer Canada Urges Earlier Screening for Young Adults

Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger Canadians, prompting Colorectal Cancer Canada to advocate for lowering the routine screening age from 50 to 45 for individuals at average risk. The organization highlights this urgent need in response to a significant rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among adults aged 45 to 49. According to estimates, 26,400 Canadians will receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis this year, with approximately half of them being of working age. The disease results in about 9,100 deaths annually in Canada.

The recent deaths of notable figures have brought further attention to this alarming trend. On February 10, actor James Van Der Beek passed away at the age of 48, just one year after announcing his diagnosis. Similarly, Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara was reported to have died from a pulmonary embolism on January 30, shortly after her own colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Current guidelines in Ontario recommend colorectal cancer screening every two years for individuals aged 50 to 74. Those with a family history of the disease are advised to begin screening at age 50 or 10 years prior to their relative’s diagnosis. However, Barry D. Stein, president and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, argues that screening should commence at age 45 for all individuals, regardless of family history. In a recent statement, Stein emphasized, “The data is unequivocal: colorectal cancer is affecting younger Canadians at an alarming rate. Delaying changes to our provincial and territorial screening programs is a risk we cannot afford. Every year of inaction leads to later-stage diagnoses, more aggressive treatments, and preventable loss of life.”

March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, and Colorectal Cancer Canada has organized a national advocacy day on March 10, 2024, on Parliament Hill. This event, named “This March we March,” aims to unite patients, survivors, healthcare professionals, and advocates to call for immediate reforms in screening practices.

The organization also refers to a study by the American Cancer Society indicating that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among individuals under 50 in the United States. The trends observed in the U.S. reflect increases in incidence rates among younger adults in Canada, particularly those aged 45 to 49.

As Colorectal Cancer Canada continues its campaign for earlier detection, it encourages Canadians aged 50 to 74 to remain vigilant about their screenings in line with existing guidelines. The organization advocates the use of a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), an accessible at-home test that can identify early signs of the disease.

In conjunction with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the organization is promoting Dress in Blue Day on March 6, 2024. Participants are encouraged to wear blue and share photos to raise awareness and engage in discussions about colorectal cancer prevention. The hashtags #SaveButts, #GetScreened, and #Screenat45 are recommended to amplify the message and honor those impacted by the disease.