Key Takeaways Colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50 and is the second leading cause of cancer death, but when caught early, it is highly curable. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening as it is the only method that can detect cancer early and remove precancerous polyps.