Knowledge, attitude and behaviors of 40-70 year old individuals about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening

ABSTRACT Aım: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behavior of individuals between the ages of 40-70 about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening. Materıals Method: Our data collection tools consist of two forms. The first form consists of questions examining the sociodemographic data, health behaviors, colorectal cancer information and colorectal cancer screening behaviors of the participants, and the second form is the colorectal cancer screening belief scale (CCSBS). Results:The average age of 345 individuals participating in our study was 51.5±8.34, and 20.3% of them were over 60 years old. 55.4% of the participants (n=191) were female, 84.3% (n=291) were married and 53.6% (n=185) were university/associate degree graduates.21.7% (n=89) of the participants were obese (BMI> 29,9 kg/m²) and 39.7% have chronic disease (n=137), 11% of the participants (n=38) CRC history in their family is positive.The rate of having information about screening tests was found to be higher in those with a high education level (p<0.001). Patients with a history of chronic disease and having information about CRC (Colorectal cancer) screening found higher rates of having FOBT (Fecal occult blood test) and colonoscopy (p=0.006 and p<0.001, respectively).In our study, trust-benefits score was found to be higher in the individuals who had the FOBT, and the sensitivity perceptionscore was found to be higher in the individuals who had the colonoscopy (p=0.025 and p=0.006,respectively). Conclusion:In our study, although the awareness ratio of the colorectal cancer screening of the participants was 65.8%, only14.5% (n=50) of the participants had colonoscopy and 24.3% (n=84) had FOBT. The most common reason for these low rates of participation in screenings was determined to be the lack of complaints of the individuals. In conclusion, it was determined that our country's CRC knowledge level and participation in CRC screenings were not at the desired level. In increasing participation in cancer screening, we, as primary care physicians, should increase awareness about screening and recommend CRC screenings more to the public. Keywords: Colorectal cancer,Screening, Colorectal cancer belief scale, Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior