In addition, only 9% of patients know how to identify the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, according to a March 3 press release. The 15-question survey was conducted to identify gaps in knowledge about colonoscopy detection.
It determined that 38% of people over 45 have not had a colonoscopy, despite 45 being the new recommended screening age. Around 26% of adults over 45 said they did not plan on getting one.
Of patients who underwent a screening colonoscopy, 93% said it was better than or as they expected. However, 20% of Americans said they were still putting off colonoscopies due to pre-procedure preparation.
Younger patients are even more uniformed about colonoscopies than those over 45. Around 36% of patients under 45 believed they need their first colonoscopy at age 35 or younger, while 24% believed they needed to get a colonoscopy every year.
Only 33% were aware of colonoscopy alternatives, and 28% said they were very concerned about colorectal cancer.
