[July 14 is Endoscopy Day] Breast cancer screening rate is 44%, while colonoscopy screening rate is only 13.6%, revealing the reality of "postponing only colon cancer."

On July 14, "Endoscopy Day," Creage Tokyo Ladies Dock Clinic, a health checkup center for women (Location: Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), conducted a "Survey on Awareness and Actual Conditions Regarding Colonoscopies" targeting 500 women nationwide aged 40-59.

Survey Background

July 14 is "Endoscopy Day." Creage focused on colorectal cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death in women*2, and conducted a "Survey on Awareness and Actual Conditions Regarding Colonoscopies" targeting 500 women aged 40-59, for whom colonoscopy screening is recommended.

[Survey Overview]

Survey Name: Survey on Awareness and Actual Conditions Regarding Colonoscopies

Target: 500 women aged 40-59 nationwide (250 in each age group)

Survey Method: Internet survey

Conducted: June 10, 2026

Survey Summary

- Breast cancer screening rate is 44%, while colonoscopy screening rate is only 13.6%. The reality of "postponing only colon cancer" is revealed.

- Approximately 90% of women are unaware of the fact that "1 in 4 women in their 40s have colon polyps."

- The top images associated with colonoscopy screening are "painful" and "laxatives are tough."

TOPICS 1 Breast cancer screening rate is 44%, while colonoscopy screening rate is only 13.6%. The reality of "postponing only colon cancer" is revealed.

When asked about screening rates within the last three years, the breast cancer screening rate was 44.0% and the cervical cancer screening rate was 39.0%. In contrast, the colonoscopy screening rate was a mere 13.6%. This revealed a significant gap, with the colonoscopy screening rate being about one-third of that for breast cancer screening. While breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and awareness is high due to promotional activities like the Pink Ribbon campaign, allowing many women to internalize the issue, colorectal cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in women*2 and the second most common cancer in women, receives less attention, leading to screenings being postponed. The fecal occult blood test, a screening test to check for bleeding from the colon, had a screening rate of 22.8%, slightly higher than colonoscopy, but access to colonoscopy, which allows for direct observation of the entire colon to accurately diagnose the presence and stage of lesions, remains extremely low, indicating a lack of "serious preparation" for colorectal cancer.

TOPICS 2 Approximately 90% of women are unaware of the fact that "1 in 4 women in their 40s have colon polyps."

Colon polyps are benign tumors that form on the surface of the colon's mucous membrane. At this stage, they have not yet developed into cancer, and their progression to colorectal cancer can be prevented by removal through endoscopic treatment. However, if left untreated, they can gradually grow larger and potentially become cancerous, so even small colon polyps require attention. It is reported that "approximately 1 in 4 women in their 40s have colon polyps"*1. However, in this survey, when asked whether they were aware of this fact, 86.2% of women aged 40-59 responded that they "did not know." This indicates that many individuals in this age group, who are at higher risk, lack sufficient knowledge about their colons.

Images associated with colonoscopy screening are "painful" and "laxatives are tough."

As mentioned earlier, when asked about their perceptions of colonoscopy screening, which had a low screening rate, the most common response was "painful" at 47.2%, followed by "laxatives are tough" at 44.4%. Other negative responses included "hesitation about camera insertion" (33.2%), "embarrassing" (32.8%), and "scary" (30.2%).

On the other hand, a small number of positive opinions were also expressed, such as "reassured by early detection" (10.8%) and "seems easier to undergo than expected" (2.4%). Comparing these positive opinions between those who had experienced the colonoscopy and those who had not, "reassured by early detection" was 23.0% for those who had experienced it versus 6.1% for those who had not, and "seems easier to undergo than expected" was 5.0% for those who had experienced it versus 1.4% for those who had not. In both cases, those who had experienced the examination were more than three times more likely to have positive views. While negative perceptions tend to precede the experience, it is possible that undergoing the examination can lead to positive feelings.

Introduction to Creage Tokyo's "Digestive System Dock"

Creage Tokyo Ladies Dock Clinic offers a screening plan that allows you to undergo both "colonoscopy (colon camera examination)" and "gastroscopy (stomach camera examination)" on the same day.

Features of the "Digestive System Dock"

- Reduced "embarrassment" with examinations by female staff

Our clinic is a "completely female-only health checkup facility" where all doctors, nurses, staff, and examinees are women. Therefore, it is highly praised for reducing the "embarrassment of the examination," which can be a deterrent to undergoing the procedure.

- Safe examinations by endoscopy specialists

We have received many comments such as, "I was able to undergo the examination with peace of mind because the doctor explained it thoroughly."

- Introduction of the latest endoscopic equipment

Olympus's latest model endoscopic system, "EVIS X1," is equipped with the latest image enhancement functions. This allows for highly accurate examinations with minimal burden on the body in a short period.

- Sedation is available

Sedatives are available for both "colonoscopy (colon camera examination)" and "gastroscopy (stomach camera examination)." You can complete the examination while asleep or drowsy. Rest is available in the recovery room after the examination.

- Colon and stomach endoscopy can be undergone on the same day

Undergoing both colon and stomach examinations on the same day reduces the number of visits, dietary restrictions, and injections for sedation by half, easing the burden in all aspects.

Details of the "Digestive System Dock" Plan

Plan Details URL: https://www.creage.or.jp/dock/digestivedock/

- Gastroscopy (with sedation) + Colonoscopy (with sedation): 70,400 yen (tax included)

*Please note that for colonoscopy examinations, a nurse will provide an explanation of the procedure in advance. Therefore, you will need to visit the clinic approximately one week before the examination date. We appreciate your understanding.

*This plan is for self-pay services, but insurance may be applicable for colonoscopies depending on the physician's judgment.

We also offer plans for undergoing "colonoscopy (colon camera examination)" or "gastroscopy (stomach camera examination)" as individual services. Please visit our website for details.

*Please be aware that depending on your physical condition, you may feel unwell after using sedatives.

[Sources]

*1 Reference: "Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer by Endoscopy"

*2 Based on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Vital Statistics (Final Figures) for Reiwa 5 (2023), Table 7: Number and Rate of Deaths by Cause of Death (per 100,000 population)"

Creage Tokyo Ladies Dock Clinic

Clinic Name: Creage Tokyo Ladies Dock Clinic

Location: 1-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Yurakucho Denki Building, North Tower 17F

Access: 1 minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station (Central West Exit/Hibiya Exit), directly connected to Hibiya Station (Exit A3)

Chief Director: Satoko Hamanaka

Health Checkup Reception Hours: 8:30 - 16:00

Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Phone Number: 0120-815-835 (8:30 - 16:00)

Homepage: https://www.creage.or.jp/