Health responsibilities of colorectal cancer patients and determination of factors affecting late application to A healthcare agency

Objective: This study was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study in order to determine the health responsibilities of colorectal cancer patients and the factors affecting late admission to the health institution. Method: The sample of the study consisted of 144 colorectal cancer patients who were followed up in Akdeniz University Hospital Oncology Outpatient Clinic and Oncology Clinic and met the inclusion criteria. The data of the study were collected between May 2019 and March 2021. Patient Information Form and Health Responsibility Scale were used to collect data. Results: It was determined that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the health responsibilities of the patients according to their gender, employment status, physical activity level, and their thinking about the possibility of cancer. The most common symptoms were blood in stool (33.6%), abdominal pain (29.9%), and constipation (17.17%). The reasons for not applying to the health institution are as follows; it was determined that the symptoms would go away with waiting (35.4%), associating rectal bleeding with the presence of hemorrhoids (16.7%) and not considering the symptoms as important (16%). It has been shown that blood in the stool and pain symptoms are associated with early admission, gastrointestinal problems, changes in the abdomen, and constipation are associated with late admission. Conclusion: In colorectal cancer patients, women have higher health-related responsibilities compared to men, and those who do not work compared to retired and working people. It has been determined that the late application rates of men to health institutions are high. For this reason, it is recommended to draw attention to colorectal cancer screenings in the national arena and nurses to play a proactive role in raising public awareness about colorectal cancer screening and early diagnosis processes. Key words: Colorectal cancer, late admission, health responsibility, nursing.