Survey: 80% of U.S. Adults Unsure if First-Degree Relative Has Colorectal Cancer

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Only 20% of U.S. adults know whether a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) has had colorectal cancer, according to the results of a recent survey commissioned by Reese Pharmaceutical, a label manufacturer for over-the-counter consumer health products. This is a problem because those with a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer are two to four times more likely to develop it. A news release with survey details was published yesterday.

In the United States, colorectal cancer is now the most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women. Worldwide, it is the fourth most common cancer. Although diagnosis rates of people over the age of 50 have stabilized, rates have been increasing about 1% each year for younger people since the mid-1990s.

This survey used responses from 1,250 male and female participants ages 35 to 75 from across the nation. Answers were gathered using online interviews that took place last August.

To increase colorectal cancer awareness in the public, Reese Pharmaceutical will launch a new education campaign called “Know Your CRC History,” where people can share their colorectal cancer stories using the hashtag #MyCRChistory.

A colonoscopy is one of the best ways to diagnose colorectal cancer. During the procedure, a doctor will insert a camera into the rectum to look for polyps, which can potentially turn into cancer. The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommends that most people get their first coloscopy between the ages of 45 and 75. If there is a history of colorectal cancer in the family, they should get their first colonoscopy by age 40, or 10 years before the age of their family members diagnosis.

A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is another way to catch colorectal cancer early, reducing the risk of death by 33%, according to a recent study by KFF. A FIT test looks for blood in the stool, which is a common indicator of colorectal cancer. These tests require the subject to collect a stool sample from themselves and can be ordered by a lab or done over the counter. The sample is then sent to a lab for examination. Despite effectiveness, the Reese Pharmaceutical survey reports that only 3% of adults have ever used an over-the-counter colorectal cancer test.

"The data proves there is a significant gap in awareness that could be contributing to an increase in colorectal cancer rates,” Jeff Reese, President at Reese Pharmaceutical said in a news release. “Knowing your family history is crucial because the information can be used to determine how early and often you need to get screened, which can aid in prevention and treatment.”