Conducted by The Harris Poll, the 'Closing the Gap: CRC Screening Insights' survey was commissioned by
In
'Ninety percent of eligible Americans surveyed said they would be more likely to stay up to date with colorectal cancer screening if there were a blood test option, and the vast majority of physicians surveyed agreed,' said
'Although existing screening methods are effective when completed, there still are challenges around access and equity, especially among minority and other underserved communities. It is particularly alarming that almost a third of Americans are aware they are behind in screening, indicating an urgent need to spur them to action,' said
'Closing the Gap: CRC Screening Insights' Survey Findings
Perceptions of existing screening methods hinder completion
Among individuals who have not been screened, the perception that preparation for a colonoscopy is unpleasant was the most common barrier cited (47%) to completing a screening test. Other top barriers included concern around discomfort or pain during a colonoscopy (42%) or fear or anxiety around the screening process (35%).
Eligible Americans would be more likely to get screened with a blood test
90% of eligible Americans would be more likely to stay up to date with screening if there were a blood test option, citing quicker, easier and more pleasant options (89%) as top motivators to complete recommended screening. Notably, 84% of people of color said convenient access to screening tests would motivate them to get screened compared to 75% of their white peers, further highlighting the role that blood testing could play in helping address existing screening disparities.
Physicians agree an FDA-approved blood test could help close the screening gap
Similarly, primary care providers (97%) and gastroenterologists (91%) agree their patients would be more likely to stay up to date with screening if they had the option of a blood test, noting that they would anticipate a corresponding increase in compliance in that situation (98% and 97%, respectively). Ultimately, 96% of all physicians surveyed would recommend an FDA-approved blood test to their patients for CRC screening.
A disconnect exists between screening awareness and adherence
Almost a third (30%) of screening-eligible Americans are aware they are not up to date with recommended CRC screening, suggesting that barriers associated with existing screening methods are impacting adherence. A more concerning finding is that over a quarter (26%) mistakenly think they are up to date, despite never having been screened.
Educating around the importance of early detection could help
CRC is most treatable if caught early, with a 5-year survival rate of 91% for people with early stage, localized disease.2 However, 70% of surveyed Americans were unaware of this, with significantly more people of color (78%) unaware compared to their white peers (66%). This highlights an important opportunity for greater education to further motivate eligible Americans, particularly among underserved communities.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States,3 responsible for an estimated 53,010 deaths in 2024.4 This type of cancer is highly treatable if caught early, yet despite multiple screening modalities available, over 50 million Americans remain unscreened.5 Screening rates are even lower in minority and underserved populations, despite the disproportionate impact of colorectal cancer on these communities.6 Screening can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by detecting cancer early, when treatment is more successful.7
About the Shield Test
The Shield test for colorectal cancer screening is commercially available for eligible individuals by prescription only through healthcare professionals. This LDT (Laboratory Developed Test) is intended to be complementary to, and not a replacement for, current recommended CRC screening methods. A negative result does not rule out the presence of cancer. Patients with an abnormal blood-based screening result should be referred for a diagnostic colonoscopic evaluation.
About
About the Harris Poll
The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. It works with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. One of the longest-running surveys in the
The research was conducted online in the
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements regarding the potential utilities, values, benefits and advantages of
Contact:
Email: investors@guardanthealth.com
Email: press@guardanthealth.com
Tel: +1 650-647-3643
(C) 2024 Electronic News Publishing, source