Review of colorectal cancer awareness and colorectal cancer risk factors in women aged 50 years and over

Review of Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors in Women Aged 50 Years and Over This study was conducted to review colorectal cancer awareness and colorectal cancer risk factors in women aged 50 years and over. 196 women aged 50 years and over who presented to Ankara Keçiören Training and Research Hospital Gynecology Polyclinic between 16 June and 30 July 2014 constituted sample of the study. A data collection form developed in line with the relevant literature and composed of six sections was used as a data collection tool. Section one includes socio-demographic characteristics, section two includes obstetric characteristics, section three includes colorectal cancer risk factors, section four includes colorectal cancer awareness and practices, section five includes level of knowledge on colorectal cancer risk factors and section six includes risk classification. Percentage, mean, standard deviation were used for data analysis, Mann-Whitney U test for two-group comparisons, Kruskal-Wallis test for three-group and multiple group comparisons, and correlation analysis or chi-square test of independence for relationships between variables. Statistical significance value was accepted as p<0.05. Mean age of the women in the study was found to be 57.2±7.9. The mean knowledge score on prevention of colorectal cancer among the women participated in the study was 6.4±3.3 (min=0, max=10). 78.1% of the women stated that they do not consider themselves in the risk group for developing colorectal cancer, 85.7% mentioned that they do not have knowledge on colorectal cancer screening methods and 93.4% stated that they do not intend to undergo a screening. In our study, it was determined that 81.6% of the women were in average, 2.0% were in low and 16.4% were in moderate risk group. Among the women in the study, the risk degree for colorectal cancer was determined to be higher in the group of women who have a personal and close family history of bowel disease, no sufficient knowledge on colorectal cancer screening methods, no intention to undergo screening, received a physician's recommendation for colorectal cancer screening, stated to have a high self-perceived risk of developing colorectal cancer and have a history of colorectal cancer screening (p<0.05). Although the women included in the study have a substantial level of colorectal canser risk factors, it was determined that they do not have sufficient knowledge on screening and protection. Accordingly, it is believed that advanced epidemiological studies should be conducted and the nurses should take consultant roles in order to provide healthy lifestyle behaviors to the society. Key Words: Colorectal cancer knowledge score, colorectal cancer awareness colorectal cancer risk factors, colorectal cancer screening, women aged 50 years and over.