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 ACS in 2018 started recommending that people with average risk as young as 45 years old get screened for colorectal cancer, down from the previous start of age 50. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force followed in 2021; their guidelines carry particular weight among primary-care providers and often lead to health-insurance coverage.

One of the most well-established links in colon cancer research is the link between red and processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer. What to avoid: Beef, pork, lamb (especially in large quantities), and processed meats like bacon, sausages, hot dogs, ham, and deli meats.