Colorectal Cancer Alliance highlights new ACS colorectal screening guidance

By AI, Created 9:06 PM UTC, May 27, 2026, /AGP/ – The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is pressing Americans to review colorectal cancer screening options after the American Cancer Society updated its guidelines May 27, 2026. The group says the changes expand test choices, but also underscore that colonoscopy and other established screenings remain the most effective ways to prevent or catch disease early.

Why it matters: - Colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer in people under 50 and the second deadliest overall. - Screening can prevent colorectal cancer in some cases or catch it early, when treatment is more effective. - The new ACS guidance could shape which tests patients discuss with doctors and which tests insurers cover.

What happened: - The Colorectal Cancer Alliance urged Americans to prioritize screening after the American Cancer Society released updated guidelines on May 27, 2026. - The Alliance used its Screen Smart initiative to explain what the updated recommendations mean for average-risk adults and people with symptoms or higher risk. - ACS said the updates include a new stool test and blood-based tests for people who refuse or cannot complete recommended options such as colonoscopy, Cologuard or FIT.

The details: - Screening starts at age 45 for people at average risk. - People with symptoms, a family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions or diseases should screen earlier. - Colonoscopy remains the only screening test that can both detect and remove precancer. - Multitarget mt-sDNA stool tests, including Cologuard Plus, are effective at detecting 43% of precancer and can be done at home. - High-quality FIT stool tests are effective at detecting 24% of precancer and can be done at home. - Multitarget mRNA stool tests are now included in the ACS screening guidelines and are effective at detecting 41.3% of precancer. - Blood-based tests, including Shield and Simple Screen, are included for people who refuse a colonoscopy or stool test, but they do not detect precancer. - Abnormal blood-based test results require a follow-up colonoscopy. - Blood-based tests are not preferred screening options at this time. - The Alliance said the most effective test is the one that gets done, selected with a clinician based on coverage, age, risk factors, health history and personal preference.

Between the lines: - The ACS update broadens screening access in theory, but not all options are equal in how well they detect precancer or how widely they are covered by insurance. - Blood-based and mt-sRNA stool tests are not rated A or B by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which limits how widely they are covered. - The Alliance’s message centers on awareness and participation, not just test availability. - Richard Wender, medical advisor to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, said ongoing screening innovation is critical as young-onset colorectal cancer rates and deaths continue to rise.

What’s next: - The Alliance is encouraging people to talk with healthcare providers about the full range of screening options. - The group is directing people to get a free personalized screening recommendation to share with a doctor. - The Alliance also invites people to get involved in its work to end colorectal cancer. - Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, said the updated guidelines are a reminder that people have tools to prevent the disease or detect it early, when survival rates are higher than 90%.

The bottom line: - The ACS update adds new testing choices, but the strongest message remains simple: get screened, and choose the most effective test you and your clinician can complete.