Haley Stevens and Tim Burchett Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer in Young People
MI Congresswoman Haley Stevens Leads Bipartisan National Effort as Colorectal Cancer Rates Surge in Younger Americans
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Tim Burchett (R-TN) introduced the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act, bipartisan legislation to expand awareness, screening, and early detection of colorectal cancer among individuals under 45. Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for men under 50, second for women under 50, and is one of the fastest-growing cancers in Americans under 50. Cases among Americans ages 20 to 39 are projected to increase by 90 percent by 2030.
“Colorectal cancer does not discriminate by age or party. Too many families are losing loved ones far too young,” said Rep. Stevens. “This bill is about Democrats and Republicans coming together to save lives by expanding access to early detection and prevention efforts. Here in Michigan, where we’ve seen invasive colorectal cancer rates among residents under 50 nearly double since the 1980s, we know this is an urgent challenge. Families in our state, and across the nation, deserve the tools and resources to catch this disease early.”
“It is an honor to co-lead the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act with Congresswoman Stevens,” said Rep. Burchett. “Colorectal Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and this bill will help allocate resources to detect cancer in the early stages.”
The Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act would provide grants to states to:
Screen individuals under 45 who are at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer;
Provide referrals for appropriate medical treatment;
Develop and carry out public awareness campaigns;
Conduct education and outreach to health professionals;
Monitor and improve the quality of screening procedures;
Identify additional risk factors through surveillance;
Strengthen genetic family history assessments; and
Create patient navigations and clinician decision support tools.
The bill responds to a dangerous gap in screening rates: in 2023, just 33.7 percent of individuals ages 45 to 49 were screened for colorectal cancer, compared to 63.5 percent of adults ages 45 to 75. In Michigan, while 76.7 percent of residents 45 to 75 are up to date on screenings, far too many younger residents remain undiagnosed until the disease has advanced – especially as ⅕ of colorectal cancer cases nationwide were in individuals under 54.
The legislation has been endorsed by leading medical and patient advocacy organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
“The rise of early-onset colorectal cancer is alarming, and it is changing the face of this disease. Too many young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, often after delays that cost precious time. With cases of early-onset colorectal cancer rising, we must educate young people and providers about risks and symptoms — and ensure that those at high risk can get timely screening. This legislation brings us closer to a future where fewer families face the devastating impact of this disease.” - Anjee Davis, CEO Fight Colorectal Cancer
“We applaud Representatives Haley Stevens and Tim Burchett for introducing the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act, which would target cancer prevention efforts in individuals younger than 45 years old. As gastroenterologists, we know firsthand the importance of early detection. In fact, in 2019, one-in-five of all colorectal cancer cases were in Americans 54 years or younger, up from one-in-ten in 1995. Now, Americans born around 1990 are estimated to have twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born around 1950. As a result, by 2030, more than 27,000 individuals ages 20 to 49 will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. To change this unfortunate reality and save lives, we urge Congress to bring this important bill to a vote.” - Amy S. Oxentenko, MD, FACG, President of the American College of Gastroenterology
“Colorectal cancer screening according to evidence-based, expert consensus-driven guidelines helps catch colon and rectal cancers earlier when it is easier to treat; and can even prevent cancer entirely,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN®). “The Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act represents a pivotal effort to improve outcomes for younger people at higher risk for this deadly disease. We applaud this legislative move to address the rising rates of early onset colorectal cancer across the country.”
"The rise of colorectal cancer in young people is one of the most alarming public health trends of our time," said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. "We are seeing far too many lives cut short because symptoms are missed, screening comes too late, or people simply don’t know they’re at risk. The Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act is a critical step toward changing that trajectory—ensuring that states have the resources to identify high-risk individuals under 45, increase awareness, and connect people to lifesaving care. This legislation has the potential to save thousands of lives, and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is proud to stand with our partners in urging Congress to make it law.”
“As gastroenterologists, we want to prevent – not treat – colorectal cancer (CRC).
The Colorectal Cancer Detection Act will help make screening available to more Americans, which will ultimately save lives. Currently the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., CRC is rapidly rising among young people ages 20 to 39. The silver lining: this disease is treatable when diagnosed early. It is more critical than ever that we reverse this trend by encouraging appropriate screening. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is proud to partner in the fight against CRC and thanks Reps. Stevens and Burchett for leading efforts to address the rise in early onset colorectal cancer.” - AGA President Larry Kim, MD, AGAF
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