The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the recommended starting age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 in 2021 in response to rising rates of advanced colorectal cancer diagnoses among adults under 50. Following this change, two new studies indicate a sharp increase in colorectal cancer screenings among people aged 45 to 49. This expanded screening has led to earlier detection of colorectal cancers in this age group, which researchers suggest explains the observed rise in early-stage colorectal cancer cases rather than a true increase in incidence. Research led by the American Cancer Society reported a 50% relative increase in early colorectal cancer incidence among adults in their mid-to-late 40s between 2021 and 2022. Health experts have noted that the updated screening guidelines are effectively identifying cancers sooner and potentially saving younger lives.