In a segment of Fox News' America Reports Friday, host John Roberts reported on the growing concern of colon cancer in younger adults, those under age 50.
The American Cancer Society says improved screening has reduced colorectal cancer rates overall, but in patients under 50, rates have been increasing 1 to 2% a year since the mid 1990s.
Colonoscopies can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. But for most people, routine screening does not begin until the age of 45.
Experts say it's important for younger people to speak with their doctors about any persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Roberts reported some doctors now would actually like to see the recommendations for the age that you start routine colonoscopies reduced. Something lower than the age of 45, but the procedures are expensive. And so there is a cost risk benefit analysis that will be going on with insurers, hospital systems, doctors and the patients themselves.
The segment featured Fox News' Atlanta-based senior correspondent Jonathan Serrie who shared his brother’s battle with colon cancer as a young adult..
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