Finding the best age to start screening for colorectal cancer
Official title: Optimal early colorectal cancer screening initiation
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10949013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the best age for people between 45 and 49 to start getting screened for colorectal cancer, and it wants to find out how comfortable they feel about it and what might encourage them to participate, while also making sure everyone, no matter their background, has a fair chance to get screened.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00CA267181-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 45-49, particularly those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 45 years old or those who have already been diagnosed with colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the optimal age to begin colorectal cancer screening, particularly focusing on adults aged 45-49. It aims to understand how acceptable screening is for this age group and what factors may influence their participation. The study will also explore potential disparities in screening uptake among different racial and ethnic groups, ensuring that all populations have equal access to screening. By developing a targeted strategy, the research seeks to improve early detection of colorectal cancer in younger adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of colorectal cancer, potentially saving lives and reducing mortality rates in younger adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted screening strategies can improve participation rates and outcomes in cancer screening, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
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University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demb, Joshua Brian — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Demb, Joshua Brian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
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Making colorectal cancer screening easier and more likely to happen
This project uses default options, simpler choices, and direct outreach to help average-risk adults who are overdue complete colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy or stool tests.
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AI/AN Tailoring of a Home-Based Cervical and Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
A tailored, home-based cancer screening program helps AI/AN adults screen for cervical and colorectal cancer from home using self-collection tests and culturally aligned education.
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Bringing colorectal cancer screening to adults 45–54 who haven’t been screened
A grant to help low-income adults aged 45–54 start colorectal cancer screening through the Boston area’s community health centers.
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Increasing follow-up colonoscopies after a positive FIT in community clinics
Aims to help people with abnormal stool tests for colorectal cancer get timely follow-up colonoscopies in safety-net clinics.
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Colorectal cancer screening with real-time imaging that may replace sedated scopes
Researchers are testing a new imaging method called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to spot and treat colon polyps without the need for sedation during a screening colonoscopy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.