New CRC Screening Guidelines Have Boosted Adherence for Younger Patients

Reducing the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased screening adherence in patients aged 45 to 49 years old, according to research published in Cancer.

In May 2018, the American Cancer Society updated its CRC screening guidelines by lowering the age to initiate screening among average‐risk individuals from 50 years to 45 years following a rapid increase in CRC diagnoses in younger individuals. In the following, the rate of CRC screenings significantly increased among adults aged 45 to 49 years but remained stable for patients in their 50s.

Researchers included patients from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey who were aged 45 to 59 years: 1,796 were aged 45 to 49 years, 1,877 were aged 50 to 54 years, and 2,127 were aged 55 to 59 years. A majority were women, non-Hispanic white, and privately insured.

Increased screening in younger patients

During 2018, the rate of CRC screening increased among those aged 45 to 49 years, from 4.8% in the first quarter (Q1) to 6.6% in Q2, 8.8% in Q3, and 11.7% in Q4, thus screening rates were 4.1% higher in Q3 than Q1 and 7.0% higher in Q4 than Q1. This equates to 226,656 people being screened in Q1 versus 592,531 in Q4.

There was no observed change in screening for patients aged 50 years or older.