At what age does the USPSTF recommend starting colorectal cancer screening?

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45. This recommendation reflects updated guidelines aimed at addressing the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations.

Screening at 45 allows for the earlier detection of potential malignancies, thereby enabling interventions that can lead to better health outcomes. The movement towards this age recommendation has been in response to epidemiological studies demonstrating a rise in colorectal cancer rates in adults younger than 50.

Therefore, the emphasis on beginning screening at 45 is significant for early prevention and treatment efforts in the population.