Prince Edward Island becomes the first province in Canada to lower its colorectal cancer screening age to 45. Premier Rob Lantz announced the change immediately in response to increased impacts on younger individuals.
About 140 new cases and 39 deaths occur annually in P.E.I., according to Health Minister Cory Deagle. For every 100 additional colonoscopies, nearly three cancer cases could be prevented.
Colorectal Cancer Canada praises the move as a significant step toward early detection but urges other provinces to adopt similar policies.