Colon cancer is a leading yet preventable cause of cancer deaths. Screening, especially colonoscopy, is crucial for early detection and polyp removal. Guidelines recommend starting screening at age 45 for most adults,

Even more colorectal cancer cases are being found in adults under 50, and a new collection of research suggests that a surge in screening may be tied to many of the more recent diagnoses – but not the overall trend.

The American Cancer Society says colonoscopies on people aged 45 to 49 increased by 43% from 2019 to 2023. The tests are finding cancer cases earlier, when they're more curable. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr.