In May 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued new recommendations for colorectal cancer stating that people at average risk should start screening at age 45, which will allow health insurance companies to cover the cost of the test at a younger age.

The recommended age was lowered from 50 to 45 because colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among young and middle-age people. Deaths of people under age 55 increased 1% per year from 2008 to 2017, even though overall colorectal cancer rates have dropped. 

Colorectal cancer is most treatable when found early. Colonoscopies not only detect the disease, but prevent cancer because precancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure.