Knowledge of the Public towards the Symptoms and Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: In Duhok City, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most prevalent cancer in both genders, and the number of new cases has been rising recently. The amount of time people takes before seeing medical professionals can be positively impacted by a high level of public awareness of cancer. Consequently, this study examined the general public's awareness of risk factors and symptoms of colorectal cancer.Subject and methods: A non-probability purposive sample of 403 people who were visiting city center in Duhok city was used for a cross-sectional study. Between July 3, 2024 and October 2, 2024, information was gathered through in-person interviews and the completion of standardized questionnaires (Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure). it covered demographic information as well as knowledge of age-related risk, colorectal symptoms, as well as risk factors.Result: The mean age of participants was 26 (10) years. out of nine symptoms of CRC, rectal bleeding was the most commonly recalled symptoms (46.7%) followed by lower abdominal pain and blood in stool (45.7%) and (45.2%) respectively. having a bowel disease was the most commonly recalled risk factor (58.3%). The results showed that the majority (41.9%) of participant's overall knowledge was fair and poor. Additionally, knowledge level was higher among older age group and it was significant at a p-value (0.000).Conclusion: This study shows that Duhok residents are not well-informed on CRC risk factors and symptoms. The symptoms and risk factors that were most frequently mentioned were rectal bleeding and having a bowel disease.