Ontario lowers colorectal cancer screening age to 45 in 2026

Ontario will lower its colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45 starting July 1, 2026. The change follows similar updates in Prince Edward Island and other countries, including the United States and Australia. Rising cancer rates among younger adults have prompted the shift in policy. Prince Edward Island became the first Canadian province to reduce its colorectal screening age to 45 in March 2026. Ontario’s new guidelines will take effect a few months later, aligning with international trends.

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) will remain the standard screening method. Doctors can prescribe it for anyone aged 45 to 49 beginning July 2026. Those with a family history—specifically one older relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer—will now start FIT screening at 45, repeating the test every two years if results are normal.

For individuals with a family history, colonoscopy screening will begin even earlier. The new age threshold is set at 40, or 10 years younger than the age of the youngest affected relative, whichever comes first. A positive FIT result will still lead to a follow-up colonoscopy.

Recent data shows that people under 50 face a two to 2.5 times higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to previous generations. This increase has driven the push for earlier and more frequent screening. The updated guidelines mean more Ontarians will qualify for earlier colorectal cancer checks. Starting in mid-2026, FIT tests will be available to those aged 45 and older, with high-risk individuals receiving colonoscopies sooner. The changes aim to detect cases earlier and reduce cancer rates in younger adults.