New Gallup Survey Reveals Disconnect Between Knowledge and Patient Action on Colon Cancer Screening

NORTHFIELD, Ill. -- A new Gallup Survey commissioned by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) shows that nearly all people know they should be screened for colon cancer, but barely half are having the test performed by age 50, the recommended age for screening.  While 95 percent of those surveyed believe that colon cancer screening should begin at age 50 or sooner, only 54 percent of people 50 or older report having been tested for the disease.

“It appears that the message about the importance of colon cancer testing is being heard by patients, but that knowledge isn’t being translated into action,” said Gene Herbek, MD, FCAP, chair of the CAP Council on Membership and Public Affairs. “It means that the challenge for healthcare providers isn’t educating patients, it’s getting patients to actually have the tests performed.”

While the survey indicates that patients understand the need to be tested for colon cancer, the survey also showed patients were confused by which colon cancer screening tests they should have performed and how often each of those screenings needs to be done.

For example, nearly half (48 percent) of those surveyed believe that a colonoscopy should be performed every year, while the current guidelines recommend it once every ten years starting at age 50.  

“This misconception could be a contributing factor to why more people are not being tested for colon cancer,” said Dr. Herbek. “A colonoscopy is a daunting prospect for most patients, particularly if they incorrectly believe it to be a yearly event.”

There is also confusion as to when colon cancer screening should begin.  Approximately one third (34 percent) of respondents identified 50 as the age when screening should begin, while 61 percent believe it should begin at age 40 or earlier.

Men 50 or older are the most likely to know that colon cancer screening should begin at age 50 (63 percent) while women 50 and older are more likely to believe that screening should begin at age 40 or earlier (53 percent).

Other Findings

In addition to surveying adults’ beliefs and habits about colon cancer screening, the Gallup study also focused on a variety of other health tests including breast cancer screening, cholesterol testing, cervical cancer screening and prostrate cancer screening.

SOURCE: College of American Pathologists

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