Colorectal Cancer and Its Screening Among Public in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is defined as a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. CRC is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Saudi males and ranks third in female individuals. Awareness among the population about CRC symptoms, risk factors, and screening tests is essential for preventing further morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess CRC knowledge in the western region of Saudi Arabia, as well as awareness of CRC risk factors, symptoms, and screening based on various demographic data.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a representative random sample of 358 Saudi residents in the western region. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through social media sites starting from October 2021 till December 2021. Participants' awareness of CRC risk factors, symptoms, and screening was assessed using the questionnaire. For data analysis, we used SPSS Statistics, version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).Results: Of the 385 participants, 76.4% were females, and most participants had a university degree level of education. Study respondents reported fear of colonoscopy as the top reason why they avoided CRC screening. Most participants (63.4%) showed insufficient knowledge. Certain factors showed a significant association with the participants' knowledge about CRC, such as age (p<.001), higher education (p=.002), and having a career in health care (p=.002).Conclusion: As the study resulted in overall insufficient knowledge about CRC among respondents, certain factors showed a significant association with the knowledge level. Raising awareness and health promotion programs should target older age groups and those with below university degree level of education to ultimately prevent morbidity and mortality related to colorectal cancer.

Knowledge and barriers to screening for colorectal cancer among individuals aged 40 years or older visiting primary healthcare clinics in Al-Khobar, Eastern Province

“…Owing to the elevated risk and the long interval between the early and advanced stages, screening for CRC is the ideal compared to other cancers. [ 4 ]…”

Design and evaluation of a colon cancer mobile application

“…In cancer prevention and control, the term screening includes the use of evidence-based tests for asymptomatic patients with the aim of identifying early manifestations of neoplastic processes before life-threatening conditions [ 11 ]. CRC screening is essential and recommended for all people over 50 years of age [ 12 ]. Although, from the point of view of patients, serum testing is better than stool testing, most patients also prefer to avoid colonoscopy, which is very uncomfortable [ 10 ].…”

Colorectal cancer screening future modalities among Saudi population: national questioner

“…The screening with a high sensitivity guaiac-based-fecal occult blood test revealed a 4.8% prevalence of colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia (2). It was found that over sixty percent of the population is unaware of the symptoms of colorectal cancer (3). It is essential to take into account the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer cases in Saudi Arabia (4).…”