Lower the Colorectal Cancer Screening Age to 45: A Call to Action for Canada

At Colorectal Cancer Canada, we are proud to launch a new national advocacy campaign through our Never Too Young (N2Y) initiative. Our mission is clear: we are urging provincial and territorial health ministries across the country to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45 for average-risk Canadians.

This campaign also raises critical awareness about colorectal cancer symptoms, risk factors, and prevention, especially for those under 50 who may not realize they are at risk.

What Is Colorectal Cancer and Why Does It Matter So Early?

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. It is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer when detected early. Despite this, many Canadians under the age of 50 are being diagnosed at more advanced stages, where colorectal cancer treatment becomes more complex, invasive, and costly.

Younger Canadians are increasingly facing early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), which refers to diagnoses before age 50. These younger patients often face delays in diagnosis because colorectal cancer is still wrongly seen as an older person’s disease.

Our goal is to ensure that young Canadians do not ignore the signs and symptoms simply because of their age. We want them to know their family history and personal risk factors. At the same time, we call on governments across Canada to lower the screening age to 45,
— Barry D. Stein, President and CEO, Colorectal Cancer Canada

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: Know What to Watch For

Raising awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms is crucial. Some early signs include:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

Too often, these symptoms are misattributed to stress, diet, or minor digestive issues, especially in younger individuals.

Screening at 45 Could Save Thousands of Lives

Currently, average-risk Canadians are only offered colorectal cancer screening from age 50 to 74. This excludes a growing population of younger adults who are unknowingly at risk.

Canadians born after 1980 are now 2 to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 than previous generations. Countries like the United States and Australia have already responded by lowering their screening age to 45. It is time for Canada to do the same.

A 2023 study showed that beginning screening at 45 could prevent over 12,000 colorectal cancer cases and save more than 5,000 lives. This is not just a statistic. These are parents, siblings, co-workers, and friends whose cancers could be caught early and treated more effectively.

The Cost of Waiting Is Too High

Detecting colorectal cancer in Canada at an early stage allows for less aggressive colorectal cancer treatment, fewer complications, and better long-term outcomes. It also reduces the burden on our healthcare system.

Investing in earlier screening is a smart public health decision. It leads to:

• More lives saved
• Less invasive treatment
• Lower treatment costs
• Better quality of life for patients and families

Help Us Push for Change in Canada

We are calling on everyone: patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates to support the #ScreenAt45 campaign and help bring change to colorectal cancer screening in Canada.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Read our policy brief on lowering the screening age
  
• Visit the campaign page: colorectalcancercanada.com/screenat45
  
• Follow us on social media: @coloncanada
• Raise awareness by sharing your story

Together, we can make sure that no one is told they are “too young” for colorectal cancer. The time to act is now.

Follow our initiative in the news: CTV News, CBC News, Press Release.

Colorectal Cancer Canada is the leading national patient-led organization dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness, education, advocacy, and support. Since 1998, we have been working to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Canada and improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers.