45 is the new 50. At least when it comes to colorectal cancer screening.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now advises that everyone begins colorectal cancer screening at age 45, five years younger than previously recommended. The new guideline is based on evidence that nearly 11% of new colorectal cancer cases occur in people under age 50, and the incidence of the disease in 40- to 49-year-olds increased by almost 15% from 2000 to 2016.

Screening has also changed, and we now have at-home test kits as well. These options fall into two categories: direct visualization tests, such as a colonoscopy, and stool-based tests, such as FIT and Cologuard. Your primary care physician can help you choose the best type of test :

1. Direct visualization tests include the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, the colonoscopy (every 10 years); CT colonography (every 5 years); and the flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years, or every 10 years if a FIT is done annually).
2. Stool-based tests are an alternative to in-person procedures, but they should be done yearly for maximum benefit. These tests include the high-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) — both to be done annually — and stool DNA-FIT (i.e. Cologuard), which can be done every one to three years.

Whether you opt for at-home or in-person tests, it’s vitally important to get screened.

Your primary care physician (PCP) can help you choose the test that’s best for you. They’ll take into account your medical history, and whether you have a family history of colorectal cancer. Other considerations include your personal preference — if you’re not comfortable going into a hospital or clinic for a colonoscopy, let them know.

It’s estimated that approximately 25 deaths from colorectal cancer are averted in every 1,000 people screened when they start at age 50.

By beginning screening at 45, experts predict that one additional death can be prevented for every 1,000 people screened — and that life could be your own.

If you’re considering screening options, a good first step is connecting with a HealthTap virtual primary care doctor to learn more about the benefits and risks of each test. With HealthTap’s virtual primary care clinic, you can choose your own doctor — and get ongoing care and guidance from the same doctor — all while managing care remotely. You can also be referred for in-person care when you need it.