When it comes to colorectal cancer, understanding your family medical history is crucial. It’s important to recognizing patterns and risk factors that could affect your health.
If you have an immediate family member you are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop the disease compared to those who don’t. And our recent survey has found that 80% of US adults do not know whether a first degree relative has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. This was the case for Yvette Davis-Atkins’ husband who passed away at the early age of 48. After his passing Yvette Davis-Atkins now serves as an ambassador for Fight Colorectal Cancer, spreads awareness and encourages others so be proactive in learning about their family’s history of colorectal cancer.
See her full testimony about her journey with grief and early colorectal cancer screening below.
“Eleven years ago, my life took an irrevocable turn when I lost my dear husband, Len, to colorectal cancer (CRC). He was only 48 years old – too young for a colonoscopy. We didn’t know his family history, which may have qualified him for the procedure sooner.
After Len passed away, we learned that people who have a close relative diagnosed with CRC are at a significantly increased risk of developing the disease. That was a wake-up call for us. Our son, who was twelve years old at the time, started getting screenings right away. Regular monitoring has since become a crucial part of his life, allowing us to catch any potential issues early, when they are much more treatable. With colorectal cancer now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men under 50 (and the second leading cause among women under 50), I believe this proactive approach could ultimately save my son’s life.
I am now on a mission to help other families avoid the heartbreak we suffered when Len was taken from too soon. After Len’s passing, I became an advocate for raising awareness about the importance of early detection and regular screenings for CRC. I believe education is key, and knowing your genetic background is a critical piece of that puzzle. Another important tool is at-home FIT testing, which can play a significant role in catching cancer early. These tests are easy to use, non-invasive, and provide a convenient option for those who might otherwise delay or avoid traditional screening methods.
This is why I am proud to support ColoTest’s #MyCRCHistory campaign. By encouraging people to learn about their family history and understand their risk factors, we can potentially save lives. I urge everyone to take the time to talk to their family members, learn about their genetic history, and consult with their healthcare providers about the appropriate screening options, including at-home FIT tests like ColoTest.
Together, we can honor the memory of those we’ve lost and protect the future of those we love. Let us take action now to ensure that no more families have to endure the pain and loss that mine has.”
To learn more about Reese’s ColoTest® and screening, check out our screening page here
More on the Reese Pharmaceutical Survey:
Reese Pharmaceutical commissioned Persuadable Research Corporation to poll 1,250 US adults ages 35-75 in different regions of the country online in 2023. The results represent an equal mix of men and women with various demographic characteristics (household income, education, race/ethnicity).
