Awareness About Colorectal Cancer among Young Adults in Poland

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most predominant malignancies among the adult population. Most cases of CRC develop from non-malignant precursor lesions called adenomas over a long time, which provides an opportunity for prevention with screening programmes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level concerning colorectal cancer epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, and prevention among young society in Poland. The knowledge was examined with an anonymous survey between February and March 2021. Statistical analysis was performed and differences were considered significant if the p-value obtained was smaller than the assumed level of significance p ≤ 0.05. Respondents were mostly female, living in a city, with a population of over 500 thousand. The study acquired information that might guide educators about knowledge deficit among young society in Poland. The results confirmed that education, family/friends history of CRC and a place of residence differentiate knowledge and awareness about CRC. They revealed a significant knowledge gap between rural and urban inhabitants as well as a medical and non-medical group.