U.S. Sen. Katie Britt introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding colorectal cancer screening as diagnoses continue rising among younger Americans.
Britt (R-Montgomery) introduced the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Act with U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.). The bill would provide funding to states to help more people receive colorectal cancer screenings, increase public awareness and support health care professionals.
“The staggering rise in colorectal cancer we’re seeing across the country demands action,” Britt said. “We know that this especially aggressive cancer is affecting younger Americans now more than ever.”
“We must give states and healthcare providers the resources they need to better inform and treat the public, which is why I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Ossoff,” she added.
The legislation comes amid a significant shift in colorectal cancer among younger adults.
Colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related death among Americans under 50, according to a 2026 analysis published in JAMA. While overall cancer mortality among younger adults has fallen substantially over the past three decades, colorectal cancer mortality has continued rising.
The American Cancer Society now recommends that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
Nearly 2,700 Alabamians are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society.
Federal cancer data cited by Britt’s office also shows the incidence rate among Alabamians under 50 rising from roughly nine cases per 100,000 people in the early 2000s to 12.1 per 100,000 in 2022.
“Early cancer detection saves lives,” Ossoff said, adding that the bipartisan legislation is intended to improve access to screening and better protect younger Americans.
Britt has also sponsored legislation aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast cancer testing and has worked on several other bipartisan health initiatives involving maternal care and rural health.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
