Recent study shows a significant increase in early-stage colorectal cancer among 45-49 year-olds, linked to new screening recommendations and pandemic effects.

The American Cancer Society says an uptick in colon cancer cases in the 45-49 age group is a result of lowered screening ages leading to earlier detection.

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.