Abstract
Background: Colorectal malignant tumor isubiquitously found worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, colorectal malignant tumor is the most prevalent type of cancer in the male while in female;it is the third most common malignancy. Higher level of awareness regarding the risk factors, sign & symptoms and screening tests of the malignant tumors of colon and rectum among the people may be an effective strategy for the reduction in the prevalence of this cancer in the community.
Aim:To determine the awareness level regarding the risk factors and screening of colorectal malignancy.
Methods:After approval from ethical committee, a survey has been conducted among the willing participants from the Northern border region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by using social media/ personal interviews and paper based questionnaire during the study period of March - April 2019.
Results: A total of 241 completely filled responses have been received which included 95 male and 146 females. There are 69 persons with school (primary/ secondary) level education and 172 persons have university level education. A significant proportion of people with lower level of education are unaware about the various risk factors associated with cancer of large bowel and screening regarding the malignant tumors of colon and rectum.
Conclusion: The awareness level regarding the risk factors and screening of malignant tumors of colon & rectum is quite deficient particularly among the people with lower level of education.