A missed opportunity: Utilization of anorectal visits to increase colorectal cancer screening among younger patients.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer rates are rising among adults younger than 50. Visits for benign anorectal conditions may offer an opportunity to identify patients who are not current with screening. This study evaluated screening completion among patients presenting with anorectal complaints and examined colonoscopy uptake after a screening recommendation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients seen for benign anorectal diagnoses at two hospitals within a single tertiary health system between January 1 and October 1, 2023. Data included demographics, examination findings, and screening history. RESULTS: Among 776 patients, only 60.5% of adults aged 45-49 had undergone colonoscopy in the prior 10 years. Of the adults aged 45-49 who were not up to date, when a colonoscopy was recommended, 69.0% completed it, compared with 0% who did not receive a recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Benign anorectal visits provide meaningful opportunities to improve colorectal cancer screening in adults aged 45-49.