Ontario lowers colorectal cancer screening age to 45

Ontario's Ministry of Health announced that, starting July 1, the province will begin offering routine colorectal cancer screening to adults aged 45 to 49, reducing the previous start age of 50. The change follows new Cancer Care Ontario guidelines that cite a notable rise in early‑onset colorectal cancer cases and evidence that earlier detection can cut incidence and mortality. The screening uses a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) performed at home; positive results prompt a colonoscopy.

People with an immediate relative diagnosed under age 60 will now be screened at age 40 or ten years before the relative’s diagnosis, whichever comes first, while those with a relative diagnosed at 60 or older will start FIT testing at 45. The adjustment is expected to increase the number of abnormal test results and demand for colonoscopies and related pathology services, though officials anticipate volumes will stabilize as pre‑cancers are removed. Ontario joins Prince Edward Island, the United States and Australia in moving the screening age to 45.