New survey data from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance reveals a dangerous trend: Americans are delaying or avoiding potentially lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings due to everyday distractions, fear, and lack of information.
According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s State of Screening study, more than half of U.S. adults (51%) say they prioritize household chores, like laundry and childcare, over getting screened. Shockingly, 69% even said they’d rather file their taxes than have a colonoscopy. Despite colonoscopies’ proven ability to prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps, 57% of respondents were unaware of this fact. Yet, if they knew, 98% claimed they’d be more likely to get screened.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and the disease is rising in younger adults. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to ending this disease, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Alliance) aims to raise awareness that screening is crucial for preventing the disease or detecting it early, when it is most treatable. Colorectal cancer has a 91% survival rate when caught early.
Common obstacles to screening
Among those whose doctors recommended screening, 72% admitted that everyday tasks got in the way. People with busy schedules and at average risk of colorectal cancer can choose from a variety of screening options that are convenient, quick, and easy, including at-home stool tests, which are widely covered by insurance. A newly FDA-approved blood-based test is available for Medicare patients, but it is not yet recommended in the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. A doctor can provide advice on screening tests based on age, personal preference, risk factors, and symptoms.
The survey also revealed that misconceptions are widespread. A majority (63%) don’t know colorectal cancer is now the top cause of cancer death for men under 50. Many still believe screenings should begin at age 50, despite the current recommendation of 45. Alarmingly, only 47% recognize that symptoms can be mild until the disease is advanced.
Survey findings uncovered serious disparities among minority communities. Only 29% of Black adults and 36% of Hispanic adults know colorectal cancer is highly preventable, compared to 46% of white adults. Even more concerning, 58% of Black adults and 51% of Hispanic adults have never had a doctor recommend screening.
Awareness saves lives. The Alliance urges all Americans — especially those in high-risk groups — to learn the symptoms, know their risk, and take action. For more information and for a free personalized screening recommendation available in English and Spanish, visit getscreened.org.
