Assessment of knowledge level, attitudes and behaviors regarding colorectal cancer among patients applying to primary healthcare services in antalya

Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global public health issue, and early diagnosis through screening tests significantly reduces mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels, attitudes, and behaviors related to colorectal cancer screening among individuals applying to primary healthcare services in Antalya, Türkiye. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 388 individuals (197 women, 191 men) receiving primary healthcare services in Antalya. Data were collected using the "Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Colorectal Cancer Screening Scale," which evaluates attitudes toward fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy and the tendency to delay such tests. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics, chronic disease status, and family history of cancer or CRC were also assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0, employing independent samples t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and paired samples t-test. Results: Of the participants, 50.8% were female and 49.2% were male. A total of 61.3% reported having undergone at least one cancer screening test. The mean perceived benefit scores were high for FOBT (2.97 ± 0.73) and colonoscopy (3.33 ± 0.31), while the mean perceived barrier scores were lower for FOBT (2.02 ± 0.23) and colonoscopy (2.03 ± 0.31) (p<0.05). Screening attitudes were significantly lower among younger individuals, women, and those with lower educational attainment (p=0.01). Participants with chronic diseases or a family history of CRC or other cancers had significantly lower levels of screening postponement (p=0.01). Perceived barriers to FOBT included lack of knowledge about how to perform the test, anxiety about potential results, time constraints, cost concerns, and feelings of embarrassment. For colonoscopy, prominent barriers were fear of pain, concern about bowel injury, discomfort with being examined by an unfamiliar physician, and difficulties with bowel preparation and dietary restrictions. Conclusion: Awareness and attitudes regarding colorectal cancer screening vary significantly across sociodemographic groups. Younger individuals, females, and those with lower education levels tend to have lower awareness and more negative attitudes. Conversely, those with chronic illnesses or a family history of cancer are more likely to engage in screening behaviors. These findings underscore the need for targeted education and awareness programs to improve screening participation. Keywords: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer Screening, Fecal Occult Blood Test, Colonoscopy, Knowledge Level, Attitude