45 is the new 50 for colon cancer screening, medical task force says

The U.S. Preventative Task Force is recommending that people start getting screened for colon cancer at age 45 instead of 50. Experts say it will save lives.

An "alarming" rise in colorectal cancer cases among young people has led the United States Preventive Services Task Force to establish new guidelines. Medical experts are now officially recommending that people of average risk start getting screened for colon cancer at age 45, rather than 50, which was the previous standard. The announcement Tuesday morning finalizes prior draft guidance last fall, and aligns with the American Cancer Society's stance. It indicates a solidifying push for awareness, and underscores the urgency of better, more widespread screening amongst age groups that may not know they're at risk. Insurance coverage is directly tied to the task force's new recommendations, in fact, experts noted that companies will now be required to cover such screenings. Now, millions of younger Americans can get checked for the condition at no out-of-pocket cost.