A new survey reveals that Americans see encouraging colorectal cancer screening as a meaningful act of love.
According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance State of Screening Study, commissioned by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and conducted by Wakefield Research, 88% of U.S. adults say encouraging a loved one to get screened is an “act of love.” In a striking finding, roughly 1 in 3 respondents (32%) even said it was more romantic than taking a partner out to dinner and a movie.
The survey also found that 84% of U.S. adults would willingly share details about their own colorectal cancer screening experience if doing so might motivate a friend or family member to get screened themselves.
Talking openly about colorectal cancer isn’t intrusive; it’s an expression of care, and it’s imperative to help drive the awareness, education, and research needed to end this disease. One conversation could help save a loved one’s life.
A critical moment
This shift in attitudes comes at a critical moment. Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death among adults under 50, yet it remains one of the most preventable cancers and is highly treatable when caught early. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to ending the disease, is urging Americans to prioritize screening.
Barriers remain
Despite growing openness, barriers to screening persist. While 60% of adults know that any screening is better than none, more than half (54%) say they would be more likely to follow through if the preparation process were easier. That’s significant because easier options do exist. Alongside colonoscopy, which remains the gold standard for its ability to detect and remove precancerous polyps, patients can choose at-home tests that require no prep. Cologuard, a noninvasive stool DNA test, detects 92% of colorectal cancers and some precancerous polyps, while the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) detects 79% of colorectal cancers. The right option depends on a person’s age, risk factors, and personal preferences.
Reasons to be hopeful
The outlook for broader screening uptake is encouraging. Among adults who have not yet been screened, 84% say they plan to get screened within the next year or when they reach the recommended starting age of 45 for people at average risk.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is calling on all Americans to learn about available screening options, speak openly with loved ones, and advocate for themselves, particularly if symptoms are dismissed by a healthcare provider. Those at higher risk are encouraged to talk with their doctor about screening before age 45.
For a free, personalized screening recommendation, and more information on risk factors and symptoms, visit getscreened.org.
