Colorectal Cancer Canada is advocating for a significant shift in healthcare policy by urging provinces and territories to lower the recommended age for routine colorectal cancer screenings from 50 to 45. This recommendation comes in response to alarming trends reflecting increasing rates of the disease among younger Canadians, highlighting the urgent need for timely detection and intervention.
Rising Incidence Among Younger Adults
Recent statistics underscore a troubling reality: colorectal cancer has emerged as one of the most common forms of cancer affecting younger individuals. A research letter from the American Cancer Society revealed that it is now the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among those under 50 in the United States. This trend is mirrored in Canada, where incidence rates for adults aged 45 to 49 have been on the rise.
The Canadian Cancer Society forecasts that by 2025, colorectal cancer will be the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canada, and it is projected to become the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. In its latest report, the Society estimates that 26,400 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with 9,100 succumbing to the disease, accounting for 10 per cent of all new cancer cases and deaths last year.
Current Screening Protocols Leave Gaps
Despite these alarming figures, current provincial screening programmes still initiate routine screenings at age 50, leaving a significant and growing population of at-risk individuals without access to early detection. Brandon Purcell, advocacy manager for prevention and early detection at the Canadian Cancer Society, emphasised the importance of lowering the screening age. He stated, “A lower screening age for colorectal cancer will catch more cancers early when they are easier to treat and the likelihood of survival is much higher.”
Dr. Harminder Singh, a gastroenterologist based in Manitoba, echoed these sentiments. He pointed out that the barriers to accessing screenings cannot be overlooked. “The trend is increasing in all younger age groups,” he remarked. “Although the rates are lower than in older individuals, they necessitate increased attention and awareness.”
The Need for Increased Awareness
In addition to advocating for a lower screening age, experts are calling for heightened awareness, particularly for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer. Dr. Singh highlighted that those with familial cancer syndromes often experience suboptimal detection rates. “We need to make people aware who may be at risk due to their family history,” he noted.
As awareness initiatives gain traction, the focus must also extend to educating the public about the benefits and potential risks of screening. “Raising awareness is an individual choice,” Dr. Singh remarked, stressing the importance of informed decision-making among patients.
Federal Government Takes Action
In a related development, Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced a federal investment of £41 million aimed at fostering new cancer research initiatives. This funding will support 19 new research teams exploring innovative approaches to cancer prevention, including colorectal cancer. Notably, part of this initiative involves collaboration with Japanese researchers to investigate the connections between aging and early-onset colorectal and pancreatic cancers.
Why it Matters
The push to lower the colorectal cancer screening age is not merely a policy suggestion; it is a vital step towards addressing a growing public health crisis. As rates of colorectal cancer rise among younger populations, proactive measures in screening can lead to earlier detection and significantly improved survival rates. By prioritising awareness and expanding access to screenings, we can potentially reverse the alarming trends and save countless lives. The time for action is now.
