Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is when malignant cells form in the large intestine or the rectum usually due to old age and lifestyle habits and rarely due to genetic factors, or other risk factors. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered to be the second cause of death all around the world. The incidence of colorectal cancer, as estimated by the cancer incidence report of Saudi Arabia in 2013 accounted for 11.9% of all cancers that were diagnosed in 2013 with males affected by 53.1% and females by 46.9%.
Aim: to assess population awareness regarding colorectal cancer and its risk factors in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all accessible population in Aseer region, southern Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from participants using an electronic pre-structured questionnaire. The tool covered participants' socio-demographic data, participants' medical and family history, awareness and practice regarding colorectal cancer and screening.
Results: A total of 513 participants completed the study survey. Participant's ages ranged from 18 to 75 years old with mean age of 27.3 +/- 10.9 years. Exactly 383 (74.4%) participants had heard about colorectal cancer. About 55% of the participants agreed that early-stage colorectal cancer is curable and 204 (39.8%) agreed that early-stage colorectal cancer can be asymptomatic. Regarding screening methods. 45% of the participants were not aware of them while 48% told about colonoscopy. In total, good awareness regarding colorectal cancer was detected among very few portions of the participants. Awareness was significantly associated with middle ages and high level of education.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the study revealed that public awareness regarding CRC in Aseer region was poor especially for check-up timing and frequency. Also, check-up behaviour to screen for CRC was poor and the majority of the population recorded their need to improve their awareness level.