Huntsman Cancer Institute Statement on Colorectal Cancer Screening

On May 18, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released updated screening recommendations for colorectal cancer, based on a rigorous review of existing peer-reviewed evidence. All average-risk adults are now recommended to start colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah (U of U) strongly supports this change and has updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines to align with the USPSTF recommendation.

"45 is the new 50. The updated colorectal cancer screening recommendation from the USPSTF is a welcome and necessary step to make colorectal cancer screening more accessible and effective," says Sachin Apte, MD, MS, MBA, HCI chief clinical officer and cancer hospital physician-in-chief.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021, nearly 900 Utahns will be diagnosed with colon and rectum cancer. Over the last three decades, colorectal cancer survival in the United States has improved significantly, yet a growing body of research indicates a trend of higher incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in younger adults.

"This change reflects an important step forward in early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer," says Apte. "Screening helps prevent cancer and find cancer early, when it is easier to treat. HCI endorses this new recommendation and reiterates that colorectal cancer screening begin at age 45 for those at average risk. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about which cancer screening is right for you."

With this new recommendation, Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance coverage of colorectal screening beginning at age 45 will now be mandated by law, under the Affordable Care Act.

For more information, visit USPSTF, huntsmancancer.org, or contact HCI’s Cancer Learning Center at 1-888-424-2100.