Public Awareness Of Colorectal Cancer Research Articles

Awareness of colorectal cancer signs and symptoms: a national cross-sectional study from Palestine

BackgroundIn low-resource settings, the awareness level of colorectal cancer (CRC) signs and symptoms plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment. This study examined the public awareness level of CRC signs and symptoms in Palestine and investigated the factors associated with good awareness.MethodsThis was a national cross-sectional study conducted at hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates across Palestine between July 2019 and March 2020. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated bowel cancer awareness measure (BoCAM) was utilized to assess the awareness level of CRC signs and symptoms. For each correctly identified CRC sign/symptom, one point was given. The total score (ranging from 0 to 12) was calculated and categorized into three categories based on the number of symptoms recognized: poor (0 to 4), fair (5 to 8), and good awareness (9 to 12).ResultsOf 5254 approached, 4877 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate = 92.3%). A total of 4623 questionnaires were included in the analysis; 1923 were from the Gaza Strip and 2700 from the West Bank and Jerusalem (WBJ). Participants from the Gaza Strip were younger, gained lower monthly income, and had less chronic diseases than participants in the WBJ.The most frequently identified CRC sign/symptom was ‘lump in the abdomen’ while the least was ‘pain in the back passage’. Only 1849 participants (40.0%, 95% CI: 39.0%-41.0%) had a good awareness level of CRC signs/symptoms. Participants living in the WBJ were more likely to have good awareness than participants living in the Gaza Strip (42.2% vs. 37.0%; p = 0.002). Knowing someone with cancer (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.21–1.55; p < 0.001) and visiting hospitals (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.25–1.70; p < 0.001) were both associated with higher likelihood of having good awareness. However, male gender (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68–0.94; p = 0.006) and following a vegetarian diet (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48–0.73; p < 0.001) were both associated with lower likelihood of having good awareness.ConclusionLess than half of the study participants had a good awareness level of CRC signs and symptoms. Future education interventions are needed to improve public awareness of CRC in Palestine.

Public awareness of colorectal cancer in the Chinese population: An online cross-sectional survey study.

To investigate public awareness of colorectal cancer (three components: total knowledge, confidence and anticipated delay) in the Chinese population, to explore factors associated with total knowledge and to elucidate relationships among three components of public awareness of colorectal cancer. We recruited 562 adult Chinese participants with no history of colorectal cancer between March and May 2020 by convenience sampling method. Data were collected online using a self-designed demographic questionnaire and a simplified Chinese version of the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were applied. The mean score for total knowledge was 10.56 (SD: 5.89). Over half of the participants (58.2%) lacked confidence about detecting warning signs. For 42.7% of participants, the anticipated delay was not within the acceptable range (2weeks). Totally eight demographic variables were identified as significant predictors of total knowledge, accounting for 36.2% of the variance. Total knowledge was positively correlated with confidence (r = 0.126, p < 0.01) and negatively associated with anticipated delay (F = 8.891, p < 0.01). Public awareness of colorectal cancer was low in the Chinese population. Hence, educational interventions targeted for improving knowledge, enhancing individuals' confidence in detecting symptoms and reducing barriers to seeking medical help may be urgently required.

Community knowledge and awareness of colorectal cancer and screening tools: Community-based survey of 1,912 residents of Riyadh

BackgroundParticipation in Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs is low in Saudi Arabia. Public awareness of CRC and knowledge of available screening tools are crucial for improving screening uptake. This study aimed to examine the level of awareness and knowledge of CRC among the Saudi population. Materials and methodsA survey-based study was conducted on 1912 residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The survey comprised 20 questions; these concerned the definition of the colon and rectum; the function of the colon; the incidence, risk factors, symptoms, screening methods, prevention methods, and treatment methods for CRC; and the value of early detection of CRC. ResultsOf the 1912 participants who completed the survey, only 51.7% knew that the colon was the large intestine, while 57% knew that the rectum was the end of the large intestine. Colonoscopy was the preferred screening tool (72.8%). Most respondents believed early detection of CRC through colonoscopy is associated with high survival rates. However, 65.7% of the participants reported that they would not like to undergo a CRC screening. Higher education level was also associated with knowledge that CRC can develop asymptomatically, with postgraduates most likely to know this (P = 0.032). ConclusionsThere is a lack of knowledge regarding CRC among certain demographic groups in Saudi Arabia, and education and screening programs should target populations with the most limited knowledge.

Viewpoints of the target population regarding barriers and facilitators of colorectal cancer screening in the Czech Republic.

BACKGROUNDPublic awareness of colorectal cancer (CRC) and uptake of CRC screening remain challenges. The viewpoints of the target population (asymptomatic individuals older than 50) regarding CRC screening information sources and the reasons for and against participation in CRC screening are not well known in the Czech Republic. This study aimed to acquire independent opinions from the target population independently on the health system.AIMTo investigate the viewpoints of the target population regarding the source of information for and barriers and facilitators of CRC screening.METHODSA survey among relatives (aged 50 and older) of university students was conducted. Participants answered a questionnaire about sources of awareness regarding CRC screening, reasons for and against participation, and suggestions for improvements in CRC screening. The effect of certain variables on participation in CRC screening was analyzed.RESULTSOf 498 participants, 478 (96%) respondents had some information about CRC screening and 375 (75.3%) had participated in a CRC screening test. General practitioners (GPs) (n = 319, 64.1%) and traditional media (n = 166, 33.3%) were the most common information sources regarding CRC screening. A lack of interest or time and a fear of colonoscopy or positive results were reported as reasons for non-participation. Individuals aged > 60 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.42-3.71), P = 0.001], females (aOR = 1.95, 95%CI (1.26-3.01) P = 0.003), and relatives of CRC patients (aOR = 4.17, 95%CI (1.82-9.58) P = 0.001) were more likely to participate in screening. Information regarding screening provided by physicians - GPs: (aOR = 8.11, 95%CI (4.90-13.41), P < 0.001) and other specialists (aOR = 4.19, 95%CI (1.87-9.38), P = 0.001) increased participation in screening. Respondents suggested that providing better explanations regarding screening procedures and equipment for stool capturing could improve CRC screening uptake.CONCLUSIONGPs and other specialists play crucial roles in the successful uptake of CRC screening. Reduction of the fear of colonoscopy and simple equipment for stool sampling might assist in improving the uptake of CRC screening.

Abstract 5284: Public awareness of colorectal cancer in the Gaza Strip: A comparative cross-sectional study between adults and high school students

Abstract Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Raising the awareness of CRC symptoms for early recognition, prevention via reduction of lifestyle risk factors, and removing barriers to seek medical help could lower its mortality. This study aimed to assess the level of public awareness of CRC in the Gaza Strip, and compare it between adults and high-school students (HSS). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at 3 major hospitals and 10 high schools (recruitment used stratified sampling) in the Gaza Strip between September and October 2017. A previously pilot-tested, Arabic version of the Bowel Cancer/CRC Awareness Measure (CAM) questionnaire, a validated standardized questionnaire to measure public CRC awareness, was used. It consists of four sections: sociodemographic data, awareness of CRC symptoms, awareness of CRC risk factors, and barriers to seek medical help. Adults (aged ≥18 years) visiting or admitted to any of the three hospitals, and high-school students (aged 15-17 years) in any of the ten schools were recruited for face-to-face interviews to complete the CAM. Patients and visitors to oncology departments were ineligible. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained. Results: A total of 3080 participants completed the CAM questionnaire (of 3236 approached; response rate was 97.3% in HSS and 92.8% in adults). 1502 (48.8%) were HSS (730 males; 48.6%) and 1578 (51.2%) adults (736 males; 46.6%). Overall, 1391 (45.2%) reported that the chance of getting CRC is not related to age. A persistent abdominal pain was the most commonly recognized cancer symptom (n=1899, 61.7%) while pain in back passage was the least (n=1056, 34.3%). 2177 (70.7%) reported that they are not confident in recognizing CRC symptom/sign. Having a bowel disease (e.g, ulcerative colitis) was the most frequently recognized CRC risk factor (n= 1456, 47.3%) and having diabetes was the least (n=591, 19.2%). In general, adults have better awareness than HSS in terms of: recognizing CRC symptoms (mean score = 20.8 vs 18.7 of 24 total score, p&amp;lt; 0.0001) and its risk factors (mean score= 27.2 vs 25.4 of 45 total score, p&amp;lt; 0.0001). Worry about what a doctor might find was the most reported barrier to seek medical help among adults (n= 773, 49%), whereas, lack of confidence to talk about symptoms with the doctor was the most commonly reported one in HSS (n= 777, 51.7%). Conclusions:The public awareness of CRC is suboptimal in the Gaza Strip. Interventions to improve the public awareness of CRC (e.g., educational outreach) is warranted. School curriculums should include awareness sessions on cancer symptoms and risk factors, including CRC. Citation Format: MohamedRaed Elshami, Tamer Abdalghafoor, Maha Alfaqawi, Ayoub AbuNemer, Mohammed Ghuneim, Hussien Lubbad, Batool Almahallawi, Mosab Samaan, Abdallah Alwali, Ahmad Alborno, Deyaa Al-kafarna, Aseel Salah, Karam Shihada, Mohammed Abo Amona, Amira Al-Najjar, Rana Abu Subha, Basma Alhelu, Israa Abujayyab, Loai Albarqouni, Bettina Bottcher. Public awareness of colorectal cancer in the Gaza Strip: A comparative cross-sectional study between adults and high school students [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5284.

Tu1953 - Public Awareness of Colorectal Cancer: Alarming Results from Brazil

Tu1953 - Public Awareness of Colorectal Cancer: Alarming Results from Brazil

Colorectal cancer screening of the general population in East Asia.

In recent years, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing, and CRC has been becoming the major cause of cancer deaths in Asian countries. Therefore, an organized screening program to reduce CRC incidence and mortality is currently implemented in each country. In the present review, we summarize the current status and future perspectives of CRC screening of the general population in East Asian and South-East Asian countries. The fecal occult blood test is widely used for CRC screening in these countries, and its effectiveness in reducing CRC incidence and mortality has been demonstrated; however, the low participation rate in CRC screening programs is a problem to be solved in every country. Improvement in the public awareness of CRC and promotion of CRC screening by physicians will help to raise the participation rate and reduce the number of deaths caused by CRC. Regarding screening colonoscopy, several studies have recently demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. However, at present, CRC screening colonoscopy is not adopted as a primary population-based screening tool because of staffing constraints in relation to large population sizes, increased medical costs, and potential adverse events (e.g., perforation and drug-induced anaphylaxis). Further study is required to consider colonoscopy as CRC screening that is established in Western countries.

Public awareness of colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia: A survey of 1070 participants in Riyadh.

Background/Aims:The aim of this study was to investigate colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness in healthy individuals in Saudi Arabia in order to identify segments of the population that would most benefit from targeted education programs.Setting and Design:Survey/questionnaire.Patients and Methods:Random, healthy individuals from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were approached to participate in a 10-question multiple choice survey about CRC. Data were analyzed by demographic criteria, including age, gender, marital status, and level of education, to determine if members of these groups displayed differential knowledge.Statistical Analysis:Differences in responses by demographic data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:In total, 1070 participants completed the survey. Most respondents believe that screening for colon cancer should begin at symptom onset (42.9%). Less than 20% of all respondents believe that polyps are a risk factor for CRC, which varied significantly according to level of education; however, even the most educated answered correctly less than 50% of the time. Similarly, only 34.8% of all respondents knew that a family history of CRC imparted a personal risk for CRC.Conclusions:Although older individuals and those with higher education tended to answer questions correctly more often, there were some misconceptions regarding universally accepted screening protocols, symptoms, and general understanding of CRC in Saudi Arabia. A national education/screening program in Saudi Arabia is recommended to improve CRC knowledge.

PTH-073 United Kingdom National Bowel Cancer Awareness Programme – More Pain, No Gain?

IntroductionThe UK government embarked on two National Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaigns in 2012 to raise public awareness of colorectal cancer (CRC) and to prompt symptomatic individuals to visit their primary...

Public Awareness of Colorectal Cancer in a Turkish Population: Importance of Fecal Occult Blood Testing

To date, there was no controlled-study regarding awareness and knowledge of colorectal cancer in the Turkish population. We therefore designed a questionnaire consisting of items related to socio-demographic parameters, medical and family history and questions of awareness and knowledge about colorectal cancer for use in a descriptive cross-sectional study. An interviewer-administered technique was applied and 450 subjects were interviewed in the outpatient clinics at Near East University Hospital. Among all subjects, 337 were found to be eligible for the study group. Exclusion criteria were age below 18 years, any cancer history, family history of colorectal cancer, current colorectal problems, history of any diagnostic or therapeutic interventions for colorectal diseases.All participants stated that they heard about colorectal cancer. When asked about the lifetime risk of colorectal carcinoma, only 25.4% of women and 37.9% of men estimated correctly. Univariate analysis revealed that the total awareness score was significantly correlated with age, marital status, parenthood and fecal occult blood testing history. On multivariate analysis of independent predictors for awareness of colorectal cancer were found to be history of fecal occult blood testing, age and marital status were found to be the most important determinants. As a conclusion, opportunistic screening with fecal occult blood test by physicians from non-gastrointestinal specialties not only helps to reduce the mortality but also increases the awareness of colorectal cancer.

Public awareness of colorectal cancer and screening in a Spanish population

To investigate screening intentions and previous uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests in a general population in Spain; and to determine knowledge about CRC, risk perceptions, major barriers to screening and perceived benefits of screening. Cross-sectional study. Six hundred consecutive Spanish individuals over 50 years of age completed a questionnaire to determine their screening intentions, previous CRC diagnostic procedures, and knowledge about screening procedures, risk factors for CRC, 5-year prognosis, warning signs and symptoms, incidence, age-related risk and perceived barriers to screening. Although 78.8% of subjects reported that they were willing to participate in CRC screening, only 12% had ever undergone a screening test, and none with screening intention. Awareness of a breast cancer screening test [odds ratio (OR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-2.70; P=0.035], visiting a general practitioner in the preceding year (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.86-5.08; P<0.0001), awareness of risk factors (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.49-3.61; P<0.001), awareness of CRC signs or symptoms (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03-2.64; P=0.04) and belief in the efficacy of CRC screening (OR 8.85, 95% CI 1.53-51.3; P=0.01) were independent predictors for intention to participate in CRC screening. The most common reasons given for refusing screening were 'CRC tests might be dangerous' (28.2%), 'CRC tests might be painful' (17.9%) and 'feeling healthy' (16.2%). Although reported willingness to undergo CRC screening was high, CRC knowledge and actual uptake of CRC screening were low. An educational intervention to reduce barriers and increase awareness could improve uptake of CRC screening.

Emergency First Presentation of Colorectal Cancer Predicts Significantly Poorer Outcomes

Colorectal cancer commonly presents first as an emergency and is likely to be complicated by bowel obstruction/perforation requiring more difficult procedures, with poorer outcomes. Analysis of all of the procedures performed on patients diagnosed in Wexford General Hospital, Ireland, during the period 2000 to 2006 was carried out to validate this hypothesis in our western European population. Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patient demographics, diagnosis, procedures, and mode of presentation (elective, emergency) was undertaken. A total of 356 patients with colorectal cancer underwent 498 procedures during the years 2000 to 2006. Eighty-four emergency endoscopies and 100 emergency bowel resections were performed. Obstructive lesions were more likely to require emergency resection (P < 0.001). Median survival time for patients treated electively was 82 months vs. 59 months for patients treated on an emergency basis. Of all colonic resections, 34 percent were carried out as emergencies and were significantly more likely to be complicated by obstruction or perforation (P < 0.001). Emergency resections were associated with a significantly poorer perioperative mortality and five-year survival rate (P < 0.001). Forty-one percent of colorectal cancers diagnosed at endoscopy were first seen emergently. These data raise concerns regarding public awareness of colorectal cancer and resource allocation and reemphasize the need for a national colorectal screening program.

Barriers to colorectal cancer screening: A case-control study

To investigate barriers to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in a community population. We conducted a community-based case-control study in an urban Chinese population by questionnaire. Cases were selected from those completing both a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) case and colonoscopy in a CRC screening program in 2004. Control groups were matched by gender, age group and community. Control 1 included those having a positive FOBT but refusing a colonoscopy. Control 2 included those who refused both an FOBT and colonoscopy. The impact of occupation on willingness to attend a colorectal screening program differed by gender. P for heterogeneity was 0.009 for case vs control group 1, 0.01 for case versus control group 2, and 0.80 for control group 1 vs 2. Poor awareness of CRC and its screening program, characteristics of screening tests, and lack of time affected the screening rate. Financial support, fear of pain and bowel preparation were barriers to a colonoscopy as a screening test. Eighty-two percent of control group 1 and 87.1% of control group 2 were willing attend if the colonoscopy was free, but only 56.3% and 53.1%, respectively, if it was self-paid. Multivariate odds ratios for case vs control group 1 were 0.10 among those unwilling to attend a free colonoscopy and 0.50 among those unwilling to attend a self-paid colonoscopy. Raising the public awareness of CRC and its screening, integrating CRC screening into the health care system, and using a painless colonoscopy would increase its screening rate.

United European Gastroenterology Federation

United European Gastroenterology Federation

Adults in a high-risk area are unaware of the importance of colorectal cancer: a telephone and mail survey.

There are few studies assessing public awareness of colorectal cancer even in developed countries. This questionnaire and telephone-based survey aimed to determine the degree of awareness of colorectal cancer among adults in a high-risk population with a high level of literacy. Two thousand randomly-selected adults living in Singapore were invited to answer a questionnaire by telephone (T, n = 1,000) or by returned mail (M, n = 1,000). The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions relating to epidemiology, presentation, screening, and management of colorectal cancer. There was a compliance rate of 85.2 percent for telephoned subjects, but only 21.5 percent of mailed subjects returned a completed questionnaire. Only 2.7 percent of T and 1.4 percent of M named colorectal cancer as a fatal disease. Only 49.6 percent of T and 60.9 percent of M were aware that the colon and rectum are part of the intestines. A minority (T 11.7 percent, M 35.8 percent) were aware of screening as an important means against developing colorectal cancer. A large proportion (T 46.5 percent, M 34.9 percent) were unable to name even one symptom of colorectal cancer. There was low awareness of causative factors for colorectal cancer (T 39.6 percent, M 28.4 percent). A proportion (T 24.8 percent, M 28.4 percent) believed that colorectal cancer affects people less than 40 years of age. Newspapers and popular magazines exert far more influence (T 58.2 percent, M 52.1 percent) than television, the internet. or doctors in educating the public about colorectal cancer. Respondents with higher education level (junior college and above), as well as those with a positive family history, tend to score better in the knowledge section. Knowledge of colorectal cancer among the surveyed population was poor despite a relatively high incidence of the disease in Singapore. Public education regarding colorectal cancer is best done via newspapers and magazines.

Colorectal cancer screening beliefs. Focus groups with first-degree relatives.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the perceived benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening reported by first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients. In this study, the authors used focus groups to identify perceived benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening among parents and children of colorectal cancer patients. Four focus groups were conducted with relatives of colorectal cancer patients seen at two university medical centers in the Midwest. The groups ranged in size from five to eight members each and were stratified by gender. Four benefits of colorectal cancer screening were identified by participants: finding colorectal cancer early, decreasing the chances of dying from colorectal cancer, freedom from worry about colorectal cancer, and reassurance that one was cancer-free. Four main barriers were identified that applied to all four types of colorectal cancer screening or to colorectal cancer screening in general. These included inadequate public awareness of colorectal cancer, inconsistent recommendations from healthcare providers, concerns about the efficacy of screening tests, and embarrassment. Barriers unique to each screening test also were identified. Understanding individual beliefs about the benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening will allow clinicians and researchers to develop effective interventions to increase screening. Results from the focus groups have been used to develop an instrument to measure benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening, which now needs to be tested with more culturally and socioeconomically diverse groups.