US doctors: Colon cancer screening should begin at 45

The new guidelines came after research showed a 51 per cent increase in colo-rectalcancer among people under 50 since 1994, and an accompanying rise in death rates.

Screening for colon cancer should begin earlier, at age 45 instead of 50, due to an uptick in colo-rectal tumours among younger people, the American Cancer Society said on Wednesday.

The new guidelines came after research showed a 51 per cent increase in colo-rectalcancer among people under 50 since 1994, and an accompanying rise in death rates.