Profese online 2011, 4(2):33-38 | DOI: 10.5507/pol.2011.015
Aim: The main aim of the research survey was to determine the public awareness of colorectal cancer and its prevention. The primary areas on which the survey was focused were the knowledge of risk factors related to colorectal cancer, the knowledge of the methods of examination and the knowledge of testing for the presence of occult bleeding.
Methods: A questionnaire method was used for the survey. The questionnaire was designed to focus on identification of possible knowledge deficits in connection colorectal cancer preventive activities of the public.
Results: A total of 140 individuals (52 males and 88 females) participated in the questionnaire survey (at 93% return rate). The findings of the survey indicated a low public awareness in the population. The fact that 99% of the respondents considered prevention as particularly important is a significant finding. 48% of the respondents undertake a preventive examination every 2 years. Respondents aged over 50, however, who regularly participate in preventive colorectal tests, were not offered the test for occult bleeding in 65% of the cases.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the questionnaire survey we determined that the majority of respondents are not sufficiently informed about colorectal cancer, revealing a poor knowledge of the risk factors, the examination methods and the faecal occult bleeding testing procedure.
Published: October 2011 Show citation
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