Study: Most people do not prioritize colorectal cancer screening

Findings from the study also revealed that 51% of people said they would rather do household chores such as laundry instead of getting screened.

Gillian Neff and Rose Shannon

Mar 9, 2025, 1:47 PM

Updated 6 hr ago

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A recent study has determined that most people do not prioritize getting screened for colorectal cancer.
The survey of 1,000 people, conducted by Wakefield Research and commissioned by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, found that 57% of people were unaware that getting a colonoscopy can help prevent cancer. If someone has precancerous growths called polyps, a doctor can remove them on the spot before they turn into cancer.
Findings from the study also revealed that 51% of people said they would rather do household chores such as laundry instead of getting screened. In addition, 69% of people said they would rather do their taxes than get a colonoscopy, even though most surveyed understood that the screening can detect cancer.
Doctors say colorectal cancer is highly curable if detected early and preventable with regular screenings
Current guidelines recommend that people who are at average risk of developing colorectal cancer begin screenings at 45. For those who are believed to be at high risk due to family history or have certain medical conditions, they should be screened earlier.
Doctors say people should be diligent about screenings, because they have seen an increase in people under 50 and in their 40s being diagnosed with cancer.