Red flags for colorectal cancer that warrant screenings before 45 years of age
Certain genetic conditions
Some common hereditary syndromes increase the risk of colorectal cancer and may warrant earlier screenings.
For example, people with Lynch syndrome — an inherited DNA mutation that greatly increases lifetime risk — should get a colonoscopy every one to two years starting at about 20-25 years old or two to five years before the youngest diagnosed family case, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), another genetic variant, carries the risk of thousands of polyps and a nearly 100% lifetime risk of CRC, noted the American Cancer Society. Those with FAP are advised to start annual screenings at as early as 10 to 12 years old.
Several other syndromes and genetic variations — including Peutz–Jeghers Syndrome, Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome and MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP) — can also warrant earlier screenings.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, face a higher lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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This is largely due to chronic inflammation that causes cellular changes. In this case, the patient may be advised to start colonoscopy screenings before age 45.
If someone falls into a category that warrants an early screening before 45, and then the screening is normal, the length of time until the next one will depend on the specific risk factors, according to Martin.
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“If it was performed because of a strong family history, repeating it every five years is common,” he advised. “If the person turns out not to have colon cancer (or an advanced polyp) and is closer to average risk than to high risk, the interval may be longer.”
In many cases, early screenings will be covered by insurance, Martin said, but coverage rules can differ depending on whether the exam is classified as screening or diagnostic.
Those with inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, face a higher lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. (iStock)
“Under federal law, recommended screening tests for average-risk patients are generally covered without cost-sharing, but a colonoscopy done because of symptoms is often considered diagnostic, as mentioned above,” he noted. “This can have an impact on deductibles or co-pays. The exact out-of-pocket cost varies by insurer and plan.”
The encouraging news is that colorectal cancer is often preventable, Cannon emphasized.
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“Most cancers develop slowly from precancerous polyps over many years,” he said. “Screening allows physicians to detect and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer.”
“The key message: If something feels new, persistent, or concerning, don’t wait. Early evaluation can save your life.”
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Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/red-flags-colorectal-cancer-warrant-screenings-before-45-years-age