Colon cancer is of major concern for many Americans entering the middle stages of life.

According to our own colonoscopy Los Angeles specialist, Dr. Peyton Berookim, up to 5% of Americans will eventually be diagnosed with colon cancer. Globally, upwards of 1 million people annually get colon cancer. Specialists cite improper diets and toxicity in the food as a leading factor for the increase in rates of colon cancer.

Researchers reviewed federal government data of more than 250,000 people diagnosed with colon cancer. Evidence shows that the age of the onset of colon cancer is dropping. Studies indicate that approximately 15% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people under the age of 50. Before this alarming trend, it was common to start colorectal cancer screening at the age of 50, but now with these recent insights, it behooves the population to start cancer screening earlier.

Research suggests that the new recommended age to begin colorectal screening should begin a whole decade earlier.

The 50 year mark has been lowered an entire 10 years as the suggested age to begin colorectal cancer screening. The new 40 year old marker is quickly becoming the industry standard.

Takeaway points from this article are:

• 5% of the U.S. population will eventually be diagnosed with colon cancer
• Approximately 15% of colorectal cancer diagnosis occur in people under the age of 50
• Researchers suggest that colorectal cancer screening should begin at the age of 40, a full ten years earlier than the current norm.
• People under 50 years old are more likely to be diagnosed and undergo surgery than their older counterparts.
• People under 50 were also more likely to undergo radiation therapy