Majority of US Adults Unclear About Family History of CRC

A nationwide survey found that 80% of adults living in the United States did not know if a first-degree relative had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC), according to new research released by Reese Pharmaceutical.¹ The findings suggests that a lack of education around CRC throughout the country.

CRC is the leading cause of cancer death in men who are aged less than 50 years and the second leading cause of death in women aged less than 50 years. People who have an immediate family member—a child, sibling, or parent—who has CRC are an estimated 2 to 4 times more likely to develop CRC themselves compared with people who do not have an immediate family member diagnosed with CRC. With the rate of death related to CRC rising by 1% to 2% in younger people each year, it is important to identify those at highest risk.

The survey enrolled 1250 adults from the US aged between 35 and 75 years. The survey was conducted online in 2023 and included an equal mix of men and women. Reese Pharmaceutical commissioned Persuadable Research Corporation to carry out the survey itself.

A majority of respondents didn't know their family history of colorectal cancer | Image credit: Sebastian Kaulitzki - stock.adobe.com

The overall risk of death from CRC can be reduced by 33% if patients use at-home fecal immunochemical tests (FIT).² However, this survey found that only 3% of those who were surveyed had ever used an over-the-counter FIT test and most patients were unaware of such tests.

These tests are able to detect hidden blood in stool, which can help in determining patients who may have CRC and should conduct further testing. Most respondents said that they would follow-up on a positive at-home test. Moving patients through care faster and improving health outcomes is a method that 83% of physicians believe to be possible through at-home testing, making it an appealing alternative to colonoscopies.

"The data prove there is a significant gap in awareness that could be contributing to an increase in colorectal cancer rates. 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," Jeff Reese, president of Reese Pharmaceutical, said in a press release.¹

Raising awareness of CRC would be beneficial to combat a lack of education on the subject. This can include educational campaigns conducted on social media as well as informing patients about the many screening tools available for catching CRC in its early stages, which would provide patients with the best prognosis and survival rates. Educational interventions should be the focus of future efforts to prevent CRC in patients at the highest risk to help them determine their own family history and assess their own risk of the condition. Those who are educated can make informed decisions about preventing CRC in the future.

References

1. Nationwide survey shows alarming gap in awareness of colon cancer risk. News release. Reese Pharmaceutical. August 20, 2024. Accessed August 20, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nationwide-survey-shows-alarming-gap-in-awareness-of-colon-cancer-risk-302224815.html
2. Doubeni CA, Corley DA, Jensen CD, et al. Fecal immunochemical test screening and risk of colorectal cancer death. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2423671. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.23671