Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and the fourth among women in the United States. When considered together, CRC is the second leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide.
In 2021, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (USMSTF) updated their guidelines, recommending that CRC screenings begin at the age of 45. This shift reflects an urgent response to the rising incidence of CRC among younger adults.
We have improved our screening rates at Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) with the new electronic health records system, Epic, and with the integration of Exact Sciences Corp, maker of the Cologuard ® test which can be ordered from an NCH provider and mailed directly to your home.
While advancements in screening have led to a decline in CRC rates among older adults, a concerning trend has emerged; the risk of developing CRC at a younger age is on the rise. This has prompted the medical community to take decisive action.