Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the first and third cancer prevalent among males and females, respectively, in Saudi Arabia. Its survival rates depend on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Early detection of colorectal cancer reduces the morbidity and mortality rates among patients. In Saudi Arabia, colorectal cancer is presented at advanced stage. This study was done to explore the level of awareness about CRC screening and to detect factors that affect public misconception in Makkah.
Methodology: This was a questionnaire based cross-sectional observational study conducted in different settings of Makkah city between 21 and 29 July 2017, in King Abdullah Medical City. The survey included demographic information of participants, and investigation of awareness about screening, tools of screening and the risk factors.
Results: A total of 832 participants were recruited. Six hundred and nine (73.2%) participants had not heard about CRC screening and 87 (10.5%) were not sure. Females were significantly more aware than males about the existence of CRC screening (19.6% versus 12.3%, p = 0.015). Although one third of the participants (254/832) were at risk of developing CRC, only 43 (16.9%) were aware about the screening. Out of those who had heard about screening (136/832), only around 13 (1.6%) had undergone the test. Furthermore, colonoscopy and fecal occult blood test were the two most commonly heard methods of screening (24.2% and 8.2%).
Conclusion: Awareness of CRC screening in Makkah is inadequate. Education programs are mandatory and should focus on risk people.
Key words: Colorectal cancer, awareness, screening, Makkah
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