National survey reveals many Canadians understand risk of colon cancer, but are not taking action

Jan 8 2010

A new national survey reveals that while almost all Canadians understand the importance of getting checked for colon cancer, most have not had a screening test and are confused about how and when it should happen. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer for both men and women - in 2009 an estimated 22,000 Canadians were diagnosed with it and 9,000 died.(1) It is also one of the most highly treatable cancers if caught early.

"Checking regularly for colon cancer - also known as screening - is our best line of defence for catching this highly treatable cancer early. The survey shows almost all Canadians understand that this is the case - this is good news," says Dr. Heather Bryant, Vice-President, Cancer Control, Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. "While the number of Canadians getting screened for colon cancer is on the rise, the survey demonstrates the majority of Canadians at risk are still not actually getting checked for colon cancer. It's very important to understand that screening means having a test when a person feels perfectly well and is not experiencing symptoms. "

The Colon Cancer Screening in Canada survey polled 3,153 Canadians aged 45 to 74 years regarding their understanding and attitudes towards getting checked for colon cancer. Commissioned by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer's National Colorectal Cancer Screening Network, it was conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion in partnership with The Applied Health Research Centre at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.

"We know screening works," says Heather Chappell, Director, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society, and a member of the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Network. "Scientific evidence shows that colon cancer deaths could be significantly reduced if Canadians between the ages of 50 and 74 had a stool test every two years. Based on 2009 statistics, about 1,500 lives each year could be saved if a greater percentage of Canadians were screened. The survey findings will be extremely valuable in determining more effective ways to encourage people to get checked for colon cancer."

It's important for all Canadians 50 years of age and older to get checked for colon cancer before signs and symptoms appear. Screening is not just for those with a family history of the disease - almost 80 per cent of people diagnosed with colon cancer have no family history of the disease.(2)

Colon Cancer Screening in Canada Survey Highlights

Canadians have a good understanding of the benefits of checking for colon cancer:

- The majority, 95 per cent, of Canadians aged 50 to 74 agree that detecting colon cancer early greatly improves the chances of survival. A further 92 per cent agree that if caught early enough, colon cancer can be treated successfully, while 91 per cent also believe that a test is a small price to pay for such a large potential health benefit. - Additionally, 68 per cent of the respondents are aware that being over 50 puts them at greater risk of colorectal cancer and 84 per cent think that people their age should get checked. Despite these statistics, there is a disconnect between Canadians' understanding and the action they are taking: - Despite high levels of awareness, the survey shows that 56 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 74 are not up-to-date with their screening; up-to-date screening means within the last two years for fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and within the last five years for colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Sixty per cent do not realize they should actually be checked before signs or symptoms are present. Conversation is critical: - Nearly 70 per cent could not recall ever having a conversation with their doctor about getting checked for colon cancer. - The survey highlighted that a discussion with a doctor about colon cancer is the strongest driver of screening.

Growing number of Canadians getting checked

The Colon Cancer Screening in Canada survey found that 44 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 74 report up-to-date screening either using a stool test that can be done at home (FOBT) or an internal examination (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) that is done in a medical facility. This finding is consistent with Statistic Canada's Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) finding that in 2008 about 40 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 74 reported that they had had a FOBT in the past two years or colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy in the past five years.(3) There has been an average six per cent increase in screening rates from 2005 to 2008 in provinces and territories for which these data are available.(4)

"There are many terrific awareness programs in this country that drive home the message about the importance of checking and knowing when you should be checked for colon cancer, and the Colon Cancer Screening in Canada survey - building on what we have seen from the CCHS - shows that we are having an impact on the numbers of people who are taking action," says Dr. Maura Ricketts, Director in the Office for Public Health, Canadian Medical Association and member of the Network. "The survey also shows we still have work to do. We need to continue to talk about the importance of screening, and helping Canadians understand their role in maintaining health and well-being so more people across the country get checked and fewer people will get colon cancer."

About Colon Cancer Screening

Getting checked, or being screened, for colon cancer is a method of disease prevention and early detection. Screening or testing is done when a person has no signs or symptoms of the disease. Because colon cancer - also known as colorectal or bowel cancer - almost always develops from a benign or non-cancerous polyp, the disease can often be prevented when these polyps are discovered early and removed.

There are a number of tests that check for colon cancer. Non-invasive stool tests, such as FOBT and Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT), look for blood released by fragile blood vessels in polyps.

"A stool test is a simple and effective approach to screening for colon cancer. For individuals with a positive test, we can then look more closely at whether it is a sign of cancer or pre-cancer," says Dr. Heather Bryant. "Those who are at higher than average risk of developing colon cancer may have a different approach recommended by their doctor."

If positive, an internal examination of the colon is recommended and is called a colonoscopy, which examines the entire length of the colon. The examination is done with a thin, flexible tube containing a light and a video camera that can be connected to a display monitor. Any polyps or other abnormalities can be biopsied and sent to a laboratory to determine if cancer cells are present.

"As a colon cancer survivor, I know first-hand the impact of a cancer diagnosis. I encourage everyone over the age of 50 to get checked for colon cancer. If you have a family member or a friend over 50, encourage them as well," says Barry Stein, colon cancer survivor and President of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. "Our goal with this awareness program is to provide necessary information and tools to Canadians to encourage more people to be screened for colon cancer. It should be part of your health routine. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable and you can avoid the challenges of fighting this disease through a simple test."