Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Have Changed—What You Need to Know

We understand. We know it can feel overwhelming to remember when to get screened for which condition. This is especially true for screenings for colorectal cancer, also known as CRC, which were updated just a few years ago. That’s why this March — which is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month — we’re sharing some essential details to help you learn when a CRC screening is right for you.

CRC, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum, is about 90% preventable. Knowing when you should get screened can be the essential info you need to take control of your health.¹

Here’s what you need to know about CRC screening recommendations.

More younger people are getting colorectal cancer.

While death rates from CRC have declined in older adults over the past few decades, since the mid-2000s they’ve been rising among people under the age of 55.² People who were born between 1981 and 1996 have twice the risk of CRC compared to people born in 1950.³

The reason why CRC affects a growing number of younger adults is unknown. Experts are studying possible connections to diet and obesity, lack of physical activity, tobacco or alcohol use, and exposure to chemicals.³

Guidelines now recommend that CRC screenings begin at age 45 for most people.

Because CRC affects a growing number of younger adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) changed its screening recommendations in 2021. Current guidelines recommend that CRC screenings begin at age 45 for people who have average risk for the disease.⁴ For people who have an elevated risk to develop CRC—either due to genetic, health, or environmental factors—screenings may be recommended even earlier.⁵

Talk to your provider about when CRC screening is right for you.

Just as cancer treatments are becoming more personalized, cancer screening recommendations are personalized, too. When you should be screened for CRC will depend upon several factors, including your family’s medical history, your personal medical history, genetics, and other health conditions.⁵ The good news is that patients have more options for CRC screening than they did in years past, including colonoscopy, CT colography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, blood tests, and stool tests. To learn when you should get a CRC screening and which test is right for you, have a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Learn more about colorectal cancer care from Pfizer:

• Colon cancer: Learn more about colon cancer, including its causes, symptoms, and care.
• Advancing potential colorectal (colon) cancer treatment options: Clinical trials at Pfizer are advancing CRC care and connecting patients with emerging treatments.

[1] Spencer, Susan E. W. Science for Living: Colonoscopies remain best way to detect, prevent colorectal cancer, explains Justin Maykel. UMass Chan Medical School News. January 4, 2023. Accessed March 10, 2025. https://www.umassmed.edu/news/news-archives/2023/01/science-for-living-colonoscopies-remain-best-way-to-detect-prevent-colorectal-cancer-explains-justin-maykel/

[2] Key statistics for colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Updated January 29, 2024. Accessed January 24, 2025.

[3] Winn, Stephanie. Colon and rectal cancer on the rise in young adults. UC Davis Health News. March 8, 2024. Accessed March 10, 2025. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/features/colon-and-rectal-cancer-on-the-rise-in-young-adults-/2024/03

[4] Final Recommendation Statement - Colorectal Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. May 18, 2021. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening

[5] Screening for Colorectal Cancer. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Colorectal Cancer. October 17, 2024. Accessed March 10, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/index.html