Experts Urge Colorectal Cancer Screenings as Cases Rise

Norton Cancer Institute director highlights importance of early detection and prevention amid troubling trends.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image revealing the intricate tubular structure of the human colon, conveying the importance of this vital organ and the need for regular cancer screenings.An X-ray view of the human colon highlights the need for regular colorectal cancer screenings to detect and remove precancerous polyps.Louisville Today

As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month ends, doctors are emphasizing the need for routine screenings and healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Dr. Michael Driscoll of Norton Cancer Institute says colorectal cancer is over 90% preventable, but cases have been rising, especially among younger people. Experts recommend colonoscopies as the 'gold standard' screening, along with at-home stool tests and blood-based screenings.

Why it matters

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., affecting over 150,000 people and killing more than 50,000 annually. While screening and prevention can make a major difference, many people are still not getting the recommended tests, and diagnoses among younger adults have increased by 20% in the last decade, raising concerns.

The details

Driscoll says awareness and early detection are key, as colorectal cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. He recommends adults begin routine screening at age 45, or earlier if they have a family history of the disease. Colonoscopies can identify and remove precancerous polyps, but other options like at-home stool tests and blood screenings are also available. Doctors link the rise in younger cases to factors like obesity, alcohol use, smoking, and highly processed foods.

  • Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month just ended in March 2026.
  • Doctors recommend adults begin routine colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

The players

Dr. Michael Driscoll

Director of the GI Malignancy Program at Norton Cancer Institute.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The leading national public health institute in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“This is a cancer that affects greater than 150,000 people a year, kills over 50,000 people a year, and it is greater than 90 percent preventable. So I think it's really important that we get our screenings done on time.”

— Dr. Michael Driscoll, Director of the GI Malignancy Program

“The colonoscopy is really the gold standard. It's not only diagnostic but therapeutic. If you have a polyp, you can remove it before it turns into a cancer.”

— Dr. Michael Driscoll, Director of the GI Malignancy Program

What’s next

Doctors encourage anyone with questions about screening timelines or personal risk factors to talk with their primary care provider.

The takeaway

Staying informed about family history, maintaining healthy habits, and scheduling regular colorectal cancer screenings can play a crucial role in preventing this deadly disease and catching it early when treatment is most effective.