Aversion to colonoscopy and lack of physician communication are major reasons Americans avoid colon cancer screening, according to a survey of 1,200 people aged 50 to 70 years.
The survey, conducted in February by Harris Interactive, suggests that three out of four eligible Americans are not being screened regularly for this second leading cause of cancer death, a screening rate far lower than rates reported for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. Only one-third of respondents said they had been screened at least once for colon cancer.
The primary reasons for not being screened included, “don't want to have a colonoscopy” (28%), “doctor did not discuss screening with them” (26%), “did not have any symptoms” (24%), “did not feel they were at risk” (17%), “did not follow through on MD [doctor] recommendations” (9%), “did not know they should be screened” (8%), “did not have time” (5%), and “embarrassed to discuss screening with MD” (4%). Respondents were able to select from more than one category.
Screening rates were highest among those who claimed to be the most knowledgeable about colon cancer. Only 35% of those that considered themselves lacking knowledge about colon cancer had ever been screened. On the other hand, 79% of respondents who felt they were “knowledgeable” or “very knowledgeable” had been screened.
A personal or family history of the disease was reported by one in five people. However, only half of respondents considered themselves knowledgeable about the disease, and far fewer understood the need for, and benefits of, screening. More than a third of adults said they were in “excellent” or “very good” health, and three-quarters felt they were doing a good job of managing their own health.
The survey also asked respondents why they would not undergo a colonoscopy—which is still considered the most accurate screening test—in the future. Topping that list was “invasiveness” (20%), followed by “laxatives/enemas,” “preparation,” “general inconvenience,” “embarrassment or lack of privacy,” “time off from work required,” “safety,” and “dietary and medication restrictions.”