29 May 2026
Why early colorectal cancer detection matters for employers
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common cancers in the U.S. and while it has traditionally been associated with older adults, rising incidence among younger individuals underscores the need for proactive awareness across the entire workforce.
For employers, early detection is both a public health priority and a strategic workforce investment. Detecting CRC in its earliest stages dramatically improves outcomes and helps reduce the disability and healthcare costs associated with late-stage disease.
As Dr.Nicola Sing, clinical lead at Labcorp, explains, “Early detection saves lives. When colorectal cancer is found at its earliest stages, survival rates are significantly higher.”
Employers play a pivotal role in making screening accessible, supporting employee health and strengthening organizational resilience.
Rising CRC rates highlight need for proactive screening
CRC is one of the most preventable cancers. An estimated 60% of related deaths can be prevented through guideline-recommended screening. When detected early, CRC has a 91% survival rate, making timely screening an essential component of any employer’s population-health and preventive-care strategy.
Making sure benefit programs and wellness strategies support guideline-driven access can both improve outcomes and reduce avoidable long-term costs.
What employees should be screened? Key risk factors for CRC
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend beginning screening at age 45 for individuals at average risk—five years earlier than previous recommendations. After age 75, continuing screening should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Despite these recommendations, millions remain unscreened.
Employees with additional risk factors may require earlier or more frequent testing. Factors contributing to a higher-than-average risk may include:
- A first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with CRC
- Personal history of CRC or advanced adenomas
- Hereditary CRC syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, low physical activity, diets high in processed/red meat, or heavy alcohol use
Understanding these factors allows you to encourage employees to consult with their providers and pursue appropriate screening timelines.
Where are rising CRC rates occurring?
Early-onset CRC (diagnosed before age 50) has been rising for more than two decades, and studies suggest that the pace of increase may differ by sex, with some reporting relatively faster growth among women. While the drivers of early-onset disease are still being clarified, proposed contributors include alterations in the gut microbiome, dietary patterns, sedentary behavior, and antibiotic exposure.
These trends strengthen the case for employer-driven awareness efforts and benefit designs that support earlier screening starting at age 45.
Can genetics play a role?
Some hereditary syndromes significantly increase CRC risk. Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) and FAP are examples. Employees with known family history should discuss earlier or more frequent screening schedules with their providers.
How to find the right screening fit for your employees?
Dr. Sing describes two general categories of screening options: one-step and two-step approaches.
1. One-step screening: Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is the most comprehensive method, allowing clinicians to detect and remove polyps during the same procedure. If results are normal, a follow-up colonoscopy is typically recommended every 10 years.
Barriers employees may face include:
- Fear or uncertainty about the procedure
- Time away from work
- Transportation needs
- Cost and access to providers
Supporting paid time off, navigation services, or education can help employees overcome these challenges.
2. Two-step screening options
1. Stool-based tests (no disruption to work schedules)
In this two-step approach, employees complete stool-based tests at home and mail samples to a lab. Common types include:
- Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), to be conducted annually
- Multi-target stool DNA tests every one to three years
If results are positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is required.
2. Direct visualization tests
Performed every five years (or every 10 years if paired with annual FIT testing):
- CT colonography
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Both require bowel prep, and CT colonography involves limited radiation exposure.
Some medications are also associated with a lower risk of CRC, but they’re not universally recommended for everyone. Employees should consult their healthcare providers for individualized guidance.
Dr. Sing emphasizes, “The best CRC screening method is the one an individual is most willing and able to complete.”
Why isn’t a single method test enough?
Stool-based tests are appropriate only for employees at average risk. High-risk individuals benefit most from colonoscopies, which allows clinicians to visualize the entire colon and remove polyps during the procedure. Screening recommendations for high-risk employees may also involve more frequent colonoscopies.
What are the limits of colonoscopies?
While a colonoscopy is the gold standard, it requires bowel preparation, sedation, transportation arrangements, and time away from work, reflecting barriers that can reduce participation. Being aware of these challenges can help employers shape supportive leave policies or flexible scheduling.
How do I tailor screenings to employee risk and lifestyle?
For average-risk employees age 45 and older, screening should begin now. Even people with no symptoms or risk factors can develop CRC.
The priority is selecting a method the employee is willing to complete consistently. 60% of those who are of age for colon cancer screening but have yet to do it prefer at-home test kits over colonoscopies and 36% are more likely to take the test if they receive it from their employer.
At-home options such as Labcorp’s ColoFIT Home Collection Test provide a convenient, no-prep alternative for average-risk individuals. Employers offering these types of kits often see higher screening engagement, especially in distributed or hybrid workforces.
Screening options at a glance
Providing accessible at-home testing options is one of the most effective ways employers can increase screening adherence.
Colonoscopy
- Gold standard
- May require PTO, transportation, and prep time
- Recommended every 10 years
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- At home, no prep
- Positive results require colonoscopy
- Recommended annually
Multi-target stool DNA test
- At home
- Recommended every 1-3 years
Can I reduce employee CRC risk through workforce wellness?
Supportive wellness programs can reduce risk and reinforce preventive-care goals. Strategies include:
- Promoting regular physical activity
- Encouraging diets rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables
- Supporting weight management
- Offering alcohol-reduction programs
- Providing smoking-cessation resources
Integrating these into benefit programs strengthens overall employee health and engagement.
Real-world impact: How ColoFIT testing improves outcomes
Labcorp’s ColoFIT case study shows how employer-led at-home screening programs can improve detection and reduce long-term healthcare costs. The program demonstrated the value of:
- Employer-provided at-home FIT kits
- Simple, user-friendly participation steps
- Clear, guided follow-up pathways
- Higher screening compliance across age groups
Strategies for employers to boost CRC screening participation
Consider the following steps when building or optimizing your CRC screening strategy:
- Align with USPSTF guidelines
- Offer accessible at-home screening options, such as FIT kits
- Communicate screening eligibility, intervals, and follow-up expectations clearly
- Use organizational health data to identify preventive care gaps
- Partner with clinical experts for implementation and follow-up navigation
Supporting employee health through evidence-based screening
For employees 45 and older with average risk for CRC, annual FIT testing is a guideline-supported, accessible option that employers can seamlessly integrate into their wellness strategy. By partnering with trusted experts such as Labcorp Employer Services, which offers end-to-end program design and proven screening solutions, you can strengthen your workforce health with confidence.
Explore what’s possible and contact us today to enhance or build your evidence-based screening program.