Press Releases

January 12, 2011

New Colon Cancer Survey Finds 7 Out of 10 People Over the Age of 50 Forgo a Colonoscopy Due To Fear

6 out of 10 respondents seeking information on colonoscopy screening
rely upon the internet for guidance

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 12, 2011) – The Colon Cancer Alliance today released highlights of findings from a new survey, Colonoscopy Perceptions. The goal of the survey was to identify concerns and knowledge gaps about colonoscopies and to use those findings to better educate the public, especially those over 50 years of age or those who are at risk for colorectal cancer and/or other life-threatening gastrointestinal conditions. 

“Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States,” said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance.  “More than 142,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer this year, yet by getting tested, it could be prevented.  The results from this survey reveal that Americans over the age of 50 forgo colonoscopies due in large part to fear.  At the Colon Cancer Alliance, our goal is to use these findings to increase awareness about the importance of screenings and alleviate fears associated with the process.”

The survey was completed by 1,678 people and concluded on October 6, 2010.  Some of the key findings of the survey include:

• Six out of 10 survey participants indicated they rely on the internet when seeking information about colonoscopy screening
• Seven out of 10 people age 50 years or older for whom the test was  recommended,  still had not had a colonoscopy primarily due to fears
• 73 percent of the participants said bowel prep remains the hardest part of the colonoscopy testing experience
• 50 percent of the participants found the colonoscopy procedure to be the easiest part of the colonoscopy testing experience
• Six out of 10 participants who had a colonoscopy but did not or don’t remember receiving materials from their health care provider would have felt more comfortable if their healthcare provider had given them materials explaining the process before the procedure

The survey was funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. To help combat some of the concerns raised in the survey and educate the public about what to expect when preparing for and undergoing a colonoscopy, Salix Pharmaceuticals has announced the availability of Colonoscopy For Dummies®, an easy-to-read resource for free download at www.colonoscopyfordummies.com.

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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is the oldest and largest national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer.  In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the CCA provides patient support, public education, supports research and conducts advocacy work across America. The CCA has numerous programs designed to help patients find the very best information and treatment options, and to raise awareness about this most preventable disease. The CCA’s website is the leading source of colon cancer related information on the internet. Learn more at www.ccalliance.org.

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