14. Colorectal cancer is not only found in the elderly
Screening is recommended after age 45 years, but that doesn’t mean that younger patients cannot develop colorectal cancer. However, this disease can also affect younger people. This was initially very uncommon, but the incidence is rising for the latest years to the point that recently, the screening protocol changed to include younger patients. Processed foods in our diet are likely affecting the incidence of colon cancer in young patients.
However, not every patient before 45 years should be screened, and you need to outweigh the benefits against the risks and costs. Your doctor will help you decide if screening is a good idea for you based on your risk factors.