Cancer screenings need to start earlier, not later. 

This is a universal challenge. My friends in the colorectal cancer world were in Washington D.C. last week telling their stories and seeking changes in the guidelines to lower the screening age. In 2021 the age was lowered from 50 to 45. However, according to the American Cancer Society (Siegel, RL, Miller, KD, Wagle, NS, Jemal, A. Cancer statistics, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023; 73( 1): 17- 48. doi:10.3322/caac.21763) 20% of colorectal cancers in 2019 were diagnosed in people under 55. This is a statistic that has been rising every year and at this time there is not an agreed upon reason why this is happening.

In the area of breast cancer screenings women under 40 struggle to get screenings, even if they are reporting a noticed change to their doctor. There is an idea that over screening can cause stress. However, I have never met a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer from a screening who wished they had waited longer to get that screening. While waiting for test results can be nerve wracking, it is better to know and be able to take positive action than to be delayed only to find that what you thought was a potential problem actually is.

Unfortunately, this is another case where self-advocacy is required and like a recent article from Yale Medical commented, if you don’t think you are getting what you need, seek a second or third opinion, especially if you are younger than the current guidelines indicate.

When were you diagnosed? Did a routine screening help you get the care you needed?

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