Abstract B33: Cancer survivors as messengers

• Published in: Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2011-10, Vol.4 (10_Supplement), p.B33-B33
• Main Authors: Eisinger, François, Viguier, Jérôme, Pivot, Xavier, Blay, Jean-Yves, Coscas, Yvan, Roussel, Claire, Morère, Jean-François
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1940-6207; 1940-6215
• DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.PREV-11-B33

Using data from the iterative EDIFICE surveys carried out in France on cancer screening behaviours in the general population, survivors were asked whether they had or not urged their relatives or friends to undergo cancer screening tests. Among our representative sample of 1564 individuals, aged 40–74 years old, 110 were cancer survivors (7%). Among the survivors, 76 (69%) declared having made positive advices for cancer screening. Interestingly 6% (7 survivors out of 110) declared that following their intervention, a cancer was found in friends or relatives after a screening test. Since there are currently 2 000 000 survivors living in France, one could consider that more than 84 000 cancers have been discovered after survivors had urged friends and/or relatives to undergo a cancer screening. For colorectal cancer, attendance rate for screening is only about 40% of the targeted population. For a screening test like FOBT, the tumour detection rate is close to 1.25% of tested individuals. If 50% of current survivors could convince one reluctant person to undergo a screening test, every other year, then 12 500 colorectal tumours could be detected at an early stage. Stories and personal communication are by far more effective than mass media campaign in risk management communication. For survivors who wish to be involved in cancer control, it could be hypothesized that their efficiency and impact could even be increased using inexpensive process and tools such as, communication aids such as flyers (facts and data) and/or training. The increasing number of survivors and their strong commitment could be used to convey preventive counselling and advices on cancer screening, particularly for colorectal cancer which is still underperformed. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):B33.