Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide. A significant body of evidence supports the role of CRC screening in reducing disease mortality. Previous studies addressed barriers to screening among physicians and the general populace. As the role of medical students as CRC screening promoters could be significant, we sought to assess medical students' attitude and knowledge toward CRC screening and to determine the obstacles that they face. We conducted a cross-sectional study at our academic hospital by distributing a paper-based survey to medical students in their clinical years. The predictors of students' attitude and knowledge were determined by conducting regression analyses. The response rate was 74%. Among study participants, 24.9% suggested CRC screening to their relatives. Knowledge-related barriers were the most commonly disclosed barriers (85.4%). Sixth-year students (P < 0.001) and participants who had direct relatives diagnosed with CRC (P < 0.001) were more likely to recommend CRC screening, where as male students (P = 0.026) and students with a lower cumulative grade point average (pass/good) (P = 0.026) were less likely to recommend it. Medical students have not reached their full potential as CRC screening proponents for a variety of reasons, including inadequate knowledge and suboptimal attitudes, as well as the presence of various barriers that hinder them. In this study, female students were stronger advocates than males. Strategies to enrich students' knowledge and help them overcome the barriers they face should be offered through educational sessions and training to enhance their role as screening champions.