The American Gastroenterological Association has conducted a survey that reveals most baby boomers have never been tested — or are unsure if they have been tested — for hepatitis C, according to a news release.
The survey of more than 1,000 baby boomers showed 74 percent have never been tested or are unsure if they have been tested, and 80 percent believe they are not at any risk for having the disease.
The survey also showed 83 percent of those surveyed have never discussed the disease with their provider.
Nearly 5 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C. Of this, 82 percent are baby boomers, but three in four people do not know they have it, according to the release.
"Many baby boomers have a potentially dangerous 'it's not me' mentality about hepatitis C, and this survey underscores how poorly most people in that generation understand that risk factors do apply to them," said Ira M. Jacobson, MD, AGAF, chief, division of gastroenterology and hepatology and professor of medicine, The Joan Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and physician co-advisor to AGA's I.D. Hep C campaign, in the release. "Given the potentially deadly consequences of allowing hepatitis C to go undiagnosed, the AGA urges all baby boomers to talk to their doctors about getting tested."
AGA released the findings in advance of National Hepatitis Testing Day (May 19) to encourage baby boomers to discuss the disease with their provider.
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