18 May 2026
As your workforce ages, certain health risks like colon cancer become more prominent. But recent data shows even younger adults are being affected, with approximately 30% of colon cancer diagnoses occurring in adults under 55.
This signals a growing concern for employers who want to maintain a healthy, productive employee population for both young and old alike.
The importance of early screening
The good news is that an estimated 60% of colorectal cancer (CRC) deaths are preventable for those who follow the screening guidelines. Regular screening can identify precancerous polyps to be removed before they develop into cancer.
To help reduce rising CRC rates in younger adults, current clinical guidelines now recommend screening starting at age 45 for individuals at average risk (five years earlier than previous guidelines recommended) and even earlier for individuals with identifiable risk factors.
Early colon cancer detection offers a 91% survival rate, underscoring why CRC screening is such a valuable component of employee wellness programs. Since early detection is critical, supporting your employees in accessing convenient, guideline-driven screening options can have a measurable impact on health outcomes and on your organization's long-term healthcare costs.
Employee screening options for colon cancer
Regular screening can detect precancerous polyps before they progress and early removal of these polyps can prevent CRC from developing. Screening recommendations vary depending on medical and family history, but several common options include:
- Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is when a physician uses a scoped camera to examine the colon and remove any concerning polyps. This remains the most common screening method and is typically repeated every 10 years for individuals at average risk. However, colonoscopies involve time-consuming doctor's appointments, potential transportation and work scheduling challenges, and a discomfort with the preparation for and invasiveness of the procedure itself.
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT). 60% of those who are of age for CRC screening but have yet to do it prefer at-home test kits over a colonoscopy and 36% are more likely to take the test if they receive it from their employer. The FIT detects hidden blood in stool, a possible early indicator of CRC, requires no special preparation, and offers convenience, as it can be completed at home. Employees ages 45 and above at average risk may complete the FIT annually. A positive result is followed by a colonoscopy to confirm findings.
- Multi-target stool DNA test. Conducted every one to three years, this noninvasive option identifies DNA markers associated with CRC and advanced polyps.
Regardless of the method, routine screening helps keep employees ahead of potential disease progression.
Which employees need screening?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends adults between 45 and 75 be screened regularly for CRC. Yet millions of eligible adults in the U.S. remain unscreened, missing an opportunity to prevent CRC or detect it while still highly treatable.
When determining if screening is needed, employees can consider other factors that increase CRC risk:
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Lifestyle factors such as inactivity, diets low in fiber, high alcohol consumption, or smoking
Encouraging employees to understand their personal risk, especially those with family or medical history concerns, can support earlier engagement with healthcare providers.
Promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce employee CRC risks
Healthy habits can strengthen the body’s ability to reduce disease risks, including CRC. Employers can support workforce wellness by promoting:
- Regular physical activity
- Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Weight management programs or resources
- Moderation or avoidance of alcohol and tobacco
These strategies can be incorporated into broader employee wellness initiatives and support overall workforce health.
Case study: Improving outcomes and lowering costs
Employers exploring CRC screening initiatives can see the real-world impact in our ColoFIT case study, which highlights how a coordinated screening program can improve early detection while helping organizations reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Considerations for starting a CRC screening program for your employees
When building or enhancing a CRC screening strategy for your workforce, consider:
- Aligning with USPSTF guidelines for employees between 45 and 75 years old
- Offering accessible at-home screening options such as FIT kits
- Communicating clearly about screening timelines, follow-up steps and available benefits
- Partnering with clinical experts who can support both implementation and follow-up care
- Using data from your organization’s claims or wellness programs to identify gaps in preventive care
Support your employees in getting screened
For employees ages 45 and older at average risk for CRC, annual FIT testing is one guideline-supported option. Employers can integrate FIT programs into their wellness benefits or partner with trusted screening providers.
To explore how to bring evidence-based colon cancer screening solutions to your workforce and to connect with specialists who can help you design or enhance your program, contact us today.