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Huntsman Cancer Institute Statement on Colorectal Cancer Screening

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On May 18, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released , based on a rigorous review of existing peer-reviewed evidence. All average-risk adults are now recommended to start colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the (U of U) strongly supports this change and has updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines to align with the USPSTF recommendation.

"45 is the new 50. The updated colorectal cancer screening recommendation from the USPSTF is a welcome and necessary step to make colorectal cancer screening more accessible and effective," says Sachin Apte, MD, MS, MBA, HCI chief clinical officer and cancer hospital physician-in-chief.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2021, nearly 900 Utahns will be diagnosed with colon and rectum cancer. Over the last three decades, colorectal cancer survival in the United States has improved significantly, yet a growing body of research indicates a trend of higher incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in younger adults.

"This change reflects an important step forward in early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer," says Apte. "Screening helps prevent cancer and find cancer early, when it is easier to treat. HCI endorses this new recommendation and reiterates that colorectal cancer screening begin at age 45 for those at average risk. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about which cancer screening is right for you."

With this new recommendation, Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance coverage of colorectal screening beginning at age 45 will now be mandated by law, under the Affordable Care Act.

For more information, visit , huntsmancancer.org, or contact HCI鈥檚 Cancer Learning Center at 1-888-424-2100.

Media Contact

Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu

About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to advance cancer treatments of the future beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient鈥檚 unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.

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