Colorectal cancer prevention and screening guidelines

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer cases globally, with approximately 1.9 million new cases and 935,000 deaths annually according to World Health Organization data. Medical experts emphasize that early identification of lesions through preventive exams is fundamental to managing the disease.

Updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society suggest screening should begin between the ages of 45 and 50. Individuals with first-degree relatives who had the disease at a younger age face higher genetic risks and require increased vigilance.

Recent increases in diagnoses among younger populations are attributed to environmental factors, including diets high in ultra-processed foods, pollution, smoking, and low fiber consumption. Warning symptoms include changes in bowel patterns, such as persistent constipation or diarrhea, visible blood in stool, and frequent abdominal pain. Traditional blood tests may also indicate risks through signs of anemia or low iron levels.