SEATTLE — An influential task force says people should routinely be screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45, instead of 50.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force announced that recommendation Tuesday.
Experts say the panel’s actions are tied to insurance coverage, which means more plans will cover the screening.
“This is tremendous news. It’s actually going to let 15 million people in America get screened and have the coverage for it,” said Cindy Borassi of the Colon Cancer Foundation.
“It’s huge because colon cancer has been steadily increasing for those under 50 for the last two decades,” said Dr. Rachel Issaka of UW Medicine and Fred Hutch.
Issaka says its especially important to reach Black Americans, who have higher death rates from colon cancer.
“We believe lack of screening is a major contributor to why these major disparities exist,” Issaka said.
Cancer screening dropped during the pandemic, which means there’s now high demand for colonoscopies.
But that’s not the only option.
At-home screening is increasingly available.
“These tests are convenient: they can be done from the comfort of your home,” Issaka said.
Cox Media Group
