Screening of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: A Clinical Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33178/SMJ.2026.1Keywords:
Oncology, Screening, colorectal cancerAbstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered a disease of older adults, however the incidence of early onset colorectal carcinoma (EOCRC), defined as diagnosis before the age of 50 years, has been rising in many populations. Current screening programmes have contributed to declining CRC mortality in older individuals, however younger adults are excluded from these screening methods. Therefore, EOCRC is frequently diagnosed after symptom onset, often at an advanced stage with poor prognosis.
This review focuses on CRC screening in young adults, focusing on the epidemiology and risk factors associated with EORC, challenges in early detection within the population and limitations of age-based screening approaches. Current screening modalities, including endoscopic methods and faecal based tests, and their limitations for when screening young individuals.
This review highlights the gaps between the current screening process in young adults and the gaps that are present, highlighting the need for more targeted and evidence-based approaches to improve detection in young adults.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Akshaya Indrakumar, Laneash De Sousa , Khin May Phoo Thwe
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