Facing the subject of cancer is never easy and if we’re honest, most of us would prefer not to think about it. However, avoiding the topic could be putting your health at risk.
Health information avoidance has increased since the COVID pandemic, but a recent study suggests that humour could be an effective way to overcome it. This is especially true when it comes to colorectal cancer screening.
Here we’ll explore why health information avoidance has increased, with 20% of people steering clear of information about colorectal cancer. We’ll also look at how humour could help break down these barriers, and why undergoing regular screening is crucial.
20% of people avoid colorectal cancer messages
A recent study published in August in the British Journal of Health Psychology, revealed that around 20% of people actively avoid learning about colorectal cancer. This behaviour, called ‘health information avoidance’, is a defensive mechanism where people steer clear of information that might require them to make unwelcome lifestyle changes.
This avoidance can manifest in various ways. It could be you keep postponing that colonoscopy appointment, skip over educational articles, or simply push the topic out of your mind.
But this isn’t just about putting things off – it’s a psychological coping strategy to shield you from anxiety or fear associated with potential health issues. Unfortunately, ignoring the subject doesn’t make the risk disappear.
Early detection of colorectal cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Being uninformed or delaying screenings can allow the disease to progress unnoticed.
Could humour be the key to tackling avoidance?
Facing the topic of cancer is never easy and we often prefer to push it aside. According to the recent study, humorous messaging could be key to making information about colorectal cancer easier to digest. The study involved nearly 800 participants aged between 45 and 75 – the recommended age range for colorectal cancer screening in the UK.
In the experiments, participants were shown different types of content: a humorous comic strip, images of cute animals, a neutral photograph, or messages focused on coping strategies. After viewing the content, they were asked if they’d like to learn more about their personal risk for colorectal cancer. In a second test, participants chose between watching a video about foot health or one about colorectal cancer.
Those who viewed the humorous comic were more likely to engage with the colorectal cancer information. They were more inclined to seek additional information and choose the video about colorectal cancer over the alternative.
The exact reasons for humour’s effectiveness aren’t entirely clear. One theory is that it puts people in a positive mood, reducing the defensiveness that leads to avoidance. By lightening the mood around a serious subject, humour can lower psychological barriers and make people more receptive to important health information.
Screenings can save your life
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. Colorectal cancer screening tests can identify precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they develop into cancer. Early-stage colorectal cancer has a significantly higher survival rate compared to cancer found at a later stage.
Avoidance may offer temporary relief from uncomfortable thoughts, but it doesn’t eliminate the risks associated with colorectal cancer.
Been putting off a colonoscopy appointment? Book an appointment with Mr Michael Stellakis today to undergo this quick, safe, and effective procedure.
