Determination of Risk Factors, Knowledge Level and Awareness towards Colorectal Cancers among Turkish Women

Abstract

Objective: This research was conducted as descriptive and cross-sectional to scrutinize risk factors, knowledge levels and awareness of women at the age of 50 and above about colorectal cancers (CRC). Materials and Methods: In a descriptive and cross-sectional study, 196 female participants were selected randomly at the age of 50 and above who applied to Ankara Keçiören Training and Research Hospital, gynecology and obstetrics polyclinic in Turkey during June 16-July 30, 2014. A questionnaire form was used in data collection. Results: The age mean of the women included in the research was 57.2 ± 7.9. At least one of the CRC risk factors was present in each of the women in this study. When examined according to CRC risk levels, 83.6% was at the low-risk group and 16.4% was at the moderate level-risk group. The mean knowledge score of the women to be protected from CRC was 6.4 ± 3.3 (min = 0, max = 10). 86.2% of the women indicated that they did not have CRC screening test until that moment, 85.7% indicated that they did not have adequate knowledge about CRC screening methods, and 22% considered themselves risky about developing CRC. Based on the conducted analyses, CRC risk level was found higher in the women who had bowel disease history, did not have adequate knowledge about CRC, had CRC screening history, were suggested CRC screening test by their physician, and had high CRC risk perception (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It was determined as a result of the study that the women had a considerable level of CRC risk, and despite this fact they did not have adequate awareness and knowledge about screening and prevention.

Lack of Knowledge and Negative Beliefs about Colorectal Cancer: FOBT and Dietary Risk Factors in Makkah, KSA

“…Yet, still averaged 36% of both genders do not know. Our findings similar to the Turkish study with 61% said yes that high fibre diet reduces risk of cancer and 33% do not know [35]. Poor knowledge about fibre and increased risk was observed in a recent report in Hong Kong by centre of health, department of Health [36].…”

“…This is most disturbing with the huge amount of educational campaigns and programs in KSA with regards to obesity related diseases and risk. In a recent Turkish study in women, their knowledge was better than our respondents where 72% knew that being overweight increased the risk of CRC [35]. In our study about 40% do not know if obesity related to CRC increased risk compared to only 24% lacking the knowledge about this important relationship in Baran study [35].…”

Assessment of colorectal cancer awareness in patients admitted to the general surgery outpatient clinic

“…In one study, it was reported that obesity is more associated with colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers [26]. Baran et al [18] reported that 72.4% of the participants of this study were aware about obesity as a risk factor of colorectal cancer. In our study, smoking, family history and obesity were the most well-known risk factors, while the least known risk factors were age, type 2 diabetes and poor nutrition from vegetables.…”

Health behaviors, knowledge, screening, and attitudes toward colorectal cancer among Iraqi adults

“…Knowing CRC is crucial because it affects the possibility that an individual will engage in prevention behaviors for early cancer treatment detection and success (Baran et al, 2016). This study explored the et al, 2015), consumption of red meat and processed meat contributes to CRC, while a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and antioxidants may be responsible for a protective effect.…”

“…Knowing CRC is crucial because it affects the possibility that an individual will engage in prevention behaviors for early cancer treatment detection and success (Baran et al., 2016). This study explored the health behaviors, knowledge, screening, and attitudes toward colorectal cancer among Iraqi people in Sulaymaniyah/Iraq and found that while more than half were smokers, the minority of participants had healthy behaviors like low rate of alcohol and fatty foods consumption and had high a low‐fiber diet.…”