New Jersey Senate Bill SCR55

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/22
• Refer: 2/3/22

Caption

Urges U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower recommended colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45.

Impact

The proposal to lower the screening age to 45 aligns with recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ACS), which argues that earlier screenings can lead to reduced mortality from colorectal cancer for individuals with average risk factors. By advocating for this change, SCR55 aims to influence healthcare policy and potentially improve public health outcomes by encouraging earlier detection of the disease.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 55 (SCR55) urges the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower the recommended colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45. This resolution is grounded in rising concerns about colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, particularly those born in the 1990s, who are noted to have a higher risk of developing both colon and rectal cancers as compared to those born in previous decades. The importance of early screening is emphasized by statistics from the CDC, highlighting that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, with significant cases and mortality rates.

Contention

While SCR55 is focused on prevention, it does not appear to face significant opposition within the legislative context provided. However, broader discussions about preventive healthcare often encounter debates regarding the balance between recommendations based on statistical data and individual patient needs. Critics may raise concerns about the appropriateness of lowering screening ages and the financial implications for both patients and healthcare systems.