4.5 reasons 45-year-olds now need to be screened for colorectal cancer

Colon cancer screening saves lives. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States, with more than 55,000 deaths estimated during 2026.  

More alarmingly, new research published in January 2026 by JAMA shows colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among men and women under 50. Screening starting at age 45 can find and remove precancerous polyps BEFORE symptoms or cancer develops, reinforcing the importance of screening and early detection.  

Talking with your primary care provider about a colonoscopy is a simple step that can protect your health and your future. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, this troubling trend is steadily rising: 

• Incidence among Americans ages 20 to 39 is projected to increase by 90 percent by 2030.  
• Every day, almost 60 Americans in their 40s or younger will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.  
• That’s equivalent to a diagnosis in young people every 25 minutes. 

 

Are you ready to schedule your appointment, yet?

We get it. Preventive screenings may not be at the top of your to-do list; however, here are 4.5 reasons to pick up the phone and make the appointment.

1. Your insurance likely covers the cost because it’s preventive care. Insurance companies understand that it’s less costly to cover the screening, than to cover the costs associated with cancer treatment.

2. There are numerous screening options, you can find one that’s right for you. Colonoscopy is the gold standard, but any screening is better than nothing. Learn more about the options now.

3. The American Cancer Society reports that most colorectal cancers are found in people without a family history of colorectal cancer. That said, as many as one in three people who develop colorectal cancer have other family members who have had it. If it’s a first-degree relative, that’s one factor not in your favor. If that person was diagnosed before the age of 45, that’s another one.

4. If you have a screening that results in a cancer diagnosis, you’re in excellent hands. We have fellowship-trained, experienced colon and rectal surgeons, general surgeons and oncologists in our community who treat cancer every day.

4.5 It could save your life. Enough said.

Please, consider your options for colorectal cancer screening. Most health insurance, including Medicare, cover colonoscopy. Why not take this simple step and get screened?

Schedule your colonoscopy today by contacting your primary care provider or by calling Prevea Gastroenterology at:
(920) 429-1700 in Green Bay and Oconto Falls
(920) 457-4400 in Sheboygan