Earlier colorectal screening for African-Americans recommended

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

New guidance suggests that African-Americans should start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 rather than 50.
Rates of colorectal cancer among African-Americans are higher than they are among whites and are increasing in men. What is more, African-Americans have a lower rate of survival. One factor in this is lower screening rates.

That is why experts are now recommending that African-Americans begin regular screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 rather than the usually recommended age of 50. They should also go for colonoscopy rather than flexible sigmoidoscopy as this gives a better chance of showing up suspicious lesions. Other evidence has shown that African-Americans will respond to encouragement from their personal physicians when it comes to attending for screening. It is worthwhile doctors taking this message on board, if it can help cut mortality from colorectal cancer in the African-American group.

Source
American Journal of Gastroenterology March 2005