Even Before COVID-19, 24% Reported Putting off Their Colonoscopy

CENTER VALLEY, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Olympus announced today its findings from a patient survey on colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States.¹

Olympus, a global manufacturer of endoscopes used to detect, diagnose, and treat colon cancer, identified the following trends in a recent survey:

• Lack Understanding of Symptoms: More than 50% of respondents report being unaware of what the size, shape and texture of their bowel movements can tell them about their colon health.
• Nearly a Quarter Avoid or Delay Screening: While the large majority of respondents (82%) understand that colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening², nearly 24% of respondents of screening age report purposely avoiding or delaying getting a colonoscopy.
• Who’s at Higher Risk: More than 38% of respondents were unaware that colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest among African Americans, who should be screened beginning at age 45 according to the American Cancer Society.³ Approximately 48% of respondents were unaware that screening guidelines recommend individuals at average risk of developing colorectal cancer get a colonoscopy every five to ten years.

For more information on screening for colorectal cancer, visit: https://www.colonoscopytoday.com/.

To learn more about the series of patient surveys on minimally invasive therapies for treating common diseases and health issues conducted by Olympus this past year, visit: https://medical.olympusamerica.com/articles/even-covid-19-24-reported-putting-their-colonoscopy.

About Olympus

Olympus is passionate about the solutions it creates for the medical, life sciences, and industrial equipment industries.

Olympus’ Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients. Olympus’ Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments. For more information, visit www.medical.olympusamerica.com.

¹ Colorectal Cancer Statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https:// ://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/index.htm. Published June 8, 2020.

² Media Backgrounders – Detail – Colorectal Cancer Screening. Default. https://www.asge.org/home/about-asge/newsroom/media-backgrounders-detail/colorectal-cancer-screening.

³ Colorectal Cancer Guideline: How Often to Have Screening Tests. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html#:~:text=The%20ACS%20recommends%20that%20people,rectum%20(a%20visual%20exam).