Every year, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance launches its annual survey of young-onset colorectal cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. The Alliance uses the survey to learn about and track the self-reported medical, psychosocial, and quality of life experiences of these often overlooked groups.
This year, the Alliance solicited participation over social media, email, and web-based communities
Younger patients diagnosed between the ages of 19-39 were more likely to report that their concerns were dismissed by their doctors than patients who were diagnosed between the ages of 40-50.
Women were more likely to report that they felt their symptoms and concerns were dismissed by their doctor.
54% of survey respondents were misdiagnosed, 43% with hemorrhoids alone or in combination with other conditions, 17% with anemia alone or with other conditions, 12% with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) alone or with other conditions, and a startling 11% with mental health issues either alone or with other conditions.