45 Is the New 50: What You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer Screening

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to talk about one of the most preventable cancers we face as a society, and one of the most overlooked when it comes to actually doing something about it. We have seen multiple patients at RightCare since opening in July 2024 with a new diagnosis of colorectal cancer. It has been a privilege to provide care, but we would have much preferred to have caught their cancers earlier with screening.

Here’s the thing I want you to take away from this: colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early. The challenge is that early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms at all. That’s what makes screening so important, and why waiting until something feels wrong isn’t the right strategy.

The Recommended Screening Age Has Changed—and It May Affect You

If you think colorectal cancer screening is something to worry about at 50, I have important news: the guidelines have changed. In 2021, the American Cancer Society updated its recommendation, lowering the starting age for average-risk adults from 50 to 45.

This change wasn’t made arbitrarily. Colorectal cancer rates in adults under 50 have been rising steadily for decades, and researchers and clinicians have been paying attention. The update reflects a real shift in who is being diagnosed—and who needs to be screened.

If you’re 45 or older and haven’t had your first screening, this is worth putting on your to-do list. And if you’re younger but have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a conversation with a physician about early screening is absolutely warranted.

Screening Is More Accessible Than Most People Think

One of the biggest barriers to colorectal cancer screening is the assumption that it’s complicated, uncomfortable, or requires significant time off. The reality is that your options have expanded considerably.

A colonoscopy remains the gold standard—it both detects and removes polyps in a single procedure. But for many average-risk adults, at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard are a valid, non-invasive alternative. These tests can be done entirely at home and mailed to a lab, no appointment required. If results are abnormal, a colonoscopy would follow for further evaluation.

The right screening option for you depends on your age, personal health history, and family history. What matters most is that you’re screening—not which method you choose to get there.

Symptoms That Deserve Attention

As I mentioned, early colorectal cancer is often silent. But there are symptoms that, when they do appear, should prompt you to seek an evaluation rather than wait and see.

These include:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool

• Persistent change in bowel habits (such as new constipation, diarrhea, or stool that appears narrower than usual)

• Abdominal discomfort that doesn’t resolve
  

• Unexplained fatigue
  

• Unintentional weight loss
  

None of these symptoms automatically means cancer—there are many explanations—but each one is worth talking to a physician about promptly.

In emergency medicine, I’ve seen patients come in for what seems like an unrelated complaint—persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort—and through a thorough workup, we identify something that needed attention far sooner. I share that not to alarm you, but to encourage you: symptoms that linger deserve evaluation.

Not Sure Where to Start? That's What We're Here For

RightCare Clinic isn’t a colonoscopy center—but we can be a meaningful first step for patients who are experiencing symptoms or who aren’t sure where to start.

Our on-site lab capabilities allow us to run bloodwork that can identify anemia or other markers worth investigating. If you’re having abdominal symptoms that need a closer look, our on-site CT imaging can provide valuable information the same day, with no separate facility fee and no waiting days for results. Our board-certified emergency medicine physicians can evaluate what’s going on and help guide you toward the right next step, whether that’s a referral to a gastroenterologist, follow-up care, or reassurance that what you’re experiencing is benign.

Think of us as a place to get answers quickly, without the friction of navigating a system that can feel overwhelming when something doesn’t feel right.

The Bottom Line: Early Detection Saves Lives

According to the American Cancer Society, when colorectal cancer is caught at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is around 91%. When it’s caught late, that number drops to about 14%. That gap is staggering—and it’s largely bridged by screening.

So if March is the nudge you needed to schedule that screening, call about symptoms you’ve been putting off, or simply have a conversation with a physician you trust. You know your body. Trust what it’s telling you, and let us help you figure out the rest. One other non-medical reason to move forward with screening, my wife has many funny stories that she loves to share about what I had to say as I recovered from the anesthesia for my colonoscopy. Good luck!

Experiencing symptoms that concern you? Schedule a same-day appointment at RightCare Clinic by calling 616-888-3710 or booking online. Our board-certified emergency medicine physicians provide on-site lab testing and CT imaging when indicated, along with guidance to help you take the next step—all in one visit.

Todd Chassee, MD, FACEP, is Medical Director for RightCare Clinic and Vice President of Clinical Services at Emergency Care Specialists

This educational content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a qualified health provider with medical questions. If you could have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. RightCare Clinic does not endorse specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or opinions. This content does not establish a physician-patient relationship.