Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates in Young Adults Prompt Urgent Screening Calls

El Paso healthcare professionals are increasingly diagnosing colorectal cancer in younger adults, with the median age of diagnosis dropping from 72 to 67 since the 1990s. This trend is alarming as early-onset colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for those under 50. In 2023, El Paso County is expected to report around 340 new cases. Doctors at University Medical Center of El Paso stress the importance of screenings, especially as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45. They urge residents to be aware of symptoms and consider options like home stool tests or colonoscopies to catch potential issues early.

Key Details: • Adults aged 45 and older should consider colorectal cancer screenings. • In 2023, El Paso County anticipates around 340 new colorectal cancer cases. • Home stool tests are more convenient but require annual or triennial repetition. • Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening and can be done every 5-10 years if results are normal.