Screen At 45

Colorectal Cancer Canada (CCC), through its Never Too Young (N2Y) initiative, is sounding the alarm on a growing public health crisis: the rise of colorectal cancer in Canadians under 50. Despite existing screening programs beginning at age 50 for average-risk individuals, research shows that younger adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at increasing rates—often at later stages when outcomes are far worse. CCC is urging health authorities across the country to lower the colorectal cancer screening age to 45 in order to detect cancer earlier, save lives, and align with global best practices.

This national advocacy campaign aims not only to push for urgent policy change, but also to educate Canadians about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, the importance of knowing their family medical history, and the lifestyle factors that may increase risk. With a special focus on young individuals under 50, CCC is empowering people to take charge of their health, seek timely medical advice, and help reshape the way we approach cancer prevention in Canada.

Colorectal Cancer Doesn't Care How Old You Are. N2y: Never Too Young for Colon Cancer

“Our objective is to ensure that young Canadians do not ignore the signs and symptoms just because of their age and that they are aware of their family medical history and genetics, as we call on our provincial and territorial health ministries to lower the screening age for colorectal cancer throughout the country to 45,” – Barry D. Stein, President and CEO.

Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Is Rising in Canada

Even though colorectal cancer (crc) may be prevented, and is 90% curable when caught early, it has now become the deadliest cancer in men and the second deadliest in women aged 20 to 49 in Canada.

While the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been declining in those over 50, an alarming trend is emerging: early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is rising in individuals under the age of 50.

Colorectal cancer is commonly thought of as “an old person’s disease,” but this outdated perception is dangerous. The reality is that younger Canadians are increasingly being diagnosed, often at later stages when treatment options are limited.

  • Canadians born after 1980 are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with CRC before 50 than those born in previous generations.
  • EOCRC diagnoses have been increasing steadily:

    • 3.7% per year among ages 35–39
    • 2.6% per year among ages 40–44
    • 1.0% per year among ages 45–49

Why Lower the Screening Age to 45?

In Canada, CRC screening for individuals at average risk currently begins at age 50. Yet with the dramatic rise in early-onset cases, that starting point is no longer adequate.

Other countries have already taken action:

  • In 2018, the United States updated its national guidelines to start CRC screening at age 45, based on recommendations from the American Cancer Society.

  • In July 2024, Australia lowered the eligible age for its National Bowel Cancer Screening Program from 50 to 45.

Colorectal Cancer Canada is calling on all provinces and territories to follow suit immediately.

By lowering the screening age, we can prevent many more cancer diagnoses and ultimately save thousands of lives in Canada.

About Colorectal Cancer

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Colorectal cancer is the 4th most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canada.
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It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in men in Canada
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It is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in women in Canada
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In 2024, it’s estimated that 25,200 Canadians will be diagnosed and 9,400 will die from the disease.
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Among Canadians aged 30–49, colorectal cancer accounted for 9% of all cancer cases.

Yet, it is one of the most preventable, treatable and beatable cancers when caught early.

GET INVOLVED!

Help us spread the word! This social media toolkit gives you everything you need to help raise awareness and support our efforts to lower the screening age to 45.

Use your voice. Join the movement. Together, we can save lives.

Download our Policy Brief

Download our Executive Summary

Download our Press Release

SHARE YOUR STORY

Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 50? Your story can help raise awareness and drive change.

Share your story. I was 35.

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The momentum of this vital movement is powered by the support of people like you. A gift in support of ScreenAt45 directly impacts Canadians – improving health outcomes for years to come. Join us and donate now! Together, we can not only prevent colorectal cancer, but save thousands of lives.  

Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early, yet many young people are diagnosed late due to lack of awareness and inadequate screening policies.

  • In 2022, a CCC survey of 128 respondents found that 32% were diagnosed between ages 45–50.

  • 73% of those were diagnosed at Stage III or IV.

  • The 5-year survival rate:

    • >90% at Stage I
    • 68% at Stage III
    • 11% at Stage IV

Early detection means:

  • Less invasive treatment
  • Better outcomes
  • Reduced cost and burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems

Know the Symptoms and Risk Factors

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms May Include:

Changes in bowel habits Everyone’s normal is different—what matters is knowing what’s normal for you. If you notice persistent changes, speak to your doctor right away.

  • Unexplained constipation or diarrhea
  • Narrower stools than usual
  • Urge to have a bowel movement with no result
  • Blood in or on stool (bright red to dark black)
  • Rectal bleeding

Abdominal pain and discomfort Pain or cramping in the abdomen—sometimes mistaken for menstrual cramps in women—can be a symptom of CRC. Watch for:

  • Bloating or persistent fullness
  • Excessive gas
  • Nausea or vomiting

Other general symptoms

  • Unexplained weight loss (10+ lbs or 5% of body weight in 6–12 months)
  • Weakness and fatigue (may be related to iron deficiency anemia)

If something doesn’t feel right—trust your gut. Advocate for yourself and ask your healthcare provider to investigate further.

Risk factors that increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
  • Having benign (noncancerous) polyps
  • Personal history of colorectal cancer
  • Family history of colorectal cancer

  • Inherited syndromes (e.g., Lynch syndrome)

Real people. Real experiences. These are the stories behind the statistics.

Shane’s story

Colorectalcc
I was diagnosed in April 2022 with stage 3c rectal cancer at 34 with no family history and only some minor symptoms.  At first, I attempted to deal with the symptoms myself, assuming I had hemorrhoids, and put off seeing my doctor out of embarrassment.  I never thought for a...

Eric’s Story

Colorectalcc
In 2022, I was 41 years old, working and raising a young family with my wife, Jasmine. My son was 8, my daughter 5. We were a happy, healthy family, making travel plans for the summer like everyone else. That spring, I began having symptoms of a gastrointestinal problem and...

Gordon Levine’s Story

Colorectalcc
Gordon was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 48. After numerous surgeries, various lines of chemotherapy, one clinical trial, and immunotherapy, he is now cancer-free. Here, he shares five important lessons he learned throughout his experience with colon cancer.

Sam Megarry’s Story

Colorectalcc
Sam was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome when she was 28 years old. In this video, she talks about the difficult path to getting diagnosed and how she eventually found her own ways of reconnecting with her body.

Patient Story: Jordan

Colorectalcc
To donate: https://ccc.akaraisin.com/ui/bashforhope “Hope is all you need. Never give up Hope." Recently, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Gardiner, who was diagnosed with early age onset colorectal cancer (EAO CRC). He shared a little bit about himself and his diagnosis and treatment experiences. We hope that sharing Jordan's...

Claudia Pavao: early age onset colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome survivor

Colorectalcc
Claudia was diagnosed with early age onset colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome at 33. We had the chance to interview Claudia to learn more about her experience, including some of the positives that came from her cancer journey. 1. Can you talk about your experience with colorectal cancer? When I...

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