Good news is emerging in the battle against colon cancer: detection rates for early-stage disease are rising among people aged 45 to 49. According to new data, more colonoscopies and stool-based screenings are catching tumors before they spread—giving patients far better treatment options.

Between 2019 and 2023, screening in that age group climbed from about 21% to over 33%, and more cases are now being found while still localized—before they’ve metastasized. This is especially significant because for years, younger adults were increasingly seen with late-stage colon cancer, when survival odds are much lower.

Still, screening in under-50 age groups remains limited—less than 40% take advantage of it. Medical experts urge that people listen to warning signs (such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or blood in stool) and consider noninvasive tests like FIT if older screening isn’t yet recommended.

This shift toward catching cancer earlier in younger adults offers real hope—treatment is more successful when cancers are contained. It signals that awareness, updated screening guidelines, and proactive healthcare are beginning to pay off. That is what’s right with the world.