6 March, 2025
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Dispelling Myths, Educating, Preventing
During March, we focus on 6 key reasons that prevent people from getting screened and break down these fears:
5+1 main reasons why people avoid colorectal cancer screening – and why they shouldn’t
During March, we focus on 6 key reasons that prevent people from getting screened and break down these fears:
1. “I am afraid of the colonoscopy procedure”
Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of a colonoscopy. However, advances in molecular biology and the development of liquid biopsies have offered new possibilities in the detection of colorectal cancer and offer a reliable solution for those who delay or avoid colonoscopy.
-Colonoscopy remains the “gold standard” of diagnosis, as it allows direct examination of the bowel and removal of polyps.
– Colon AiQ is not a replacement for colonoscopy, but is an accurate, non-invasive option for people who need to undergo screening but are putting off colonoscopy. It offers the possibility of an initial thorough screening and can also be used as an interim check between scheduled colonoscopies for ongoing follow-up.
– In case of a positive signal, a visit to the gastroenterologist and colonoscopy are necessary for confirmation and further evaluation.
2. “I have no symptoms”
Colorectal cancer can progress silently, without warning signs. When symptoms do appear, the disease may already be in an advanced stage. Screening saves lives, whether you have symptoms or not.
3. “I’m too young to worry about it”
In the past, colorectal cancer was mainly considered a disease of the elderly. However, diagnoses in people under 50 have increased by 15% in recent years. This is why international guidelines and doctors recommend screening from the age of 45.
4. “I’m afraid I’m going to find something serious”
Fear of a finding is perfectly normal. However, putting off a screening test does not change reality – instead, it can reduce the chances of timely and effective treatment.
Screening gives you the power of knowledge and the opportunity to prevent colorectal cancer before it progresses to an advanced stage.
5. “I don’t have time for exams”
Our hectic daily routine often makes us think that we don’t have time for screening. However, the Colon AiQ test is a simple blood test that takes a few minutes and requires no preparation or anesthesia.
6. “I don’t know how accurate the available tests are”
Colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive method of detection. However, if you put it off for all of the above reasons, Colon AiQ is a reliable, non-invasive option for your first thorough screening and in between colonoscopies.
Colon AiQ is superior to the self-test, which only detects blood in the stool and has less sensitivity. Colon AiQ, as a molecular test, analyzes biomarkers of methylation in blood, detecting polyps, adenomas and early stages of cancer (I & II), even without bleeding. It is performed in an approved molecular biology laboratory by qualified scientific staff, providing high accuracy. In a positive result, colonoscopy is necessary for confirmation.