Examining the Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Adults about Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors and Early Diagnosis Methods

INTRODUCTION: In this study, ıt was aimed to determine the level of awareness by evaluating the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of people about the risk factors, symptoms and early diagnosis methods of colorectal cancer. METHODS: The study was conducted with a face-to-face interview with 300 patients who met the inclusion criteria of the study, who applied to the Family Medicine Clinic of İzmir Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital at the University of Health Sciences, between January 2019 and February 2019. Data obtained statistically were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) program. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 51,8±8,66 years and the age ranged was between 40 to 70 years. 68.3% (205) of the participants were female. When the educational status of the patients is examined, the highest rate is composed of primary school graduates with 33% (99), followed by university graduates with 28.7% (86). 66.3% (124) of those who have heard about colorectal cancer screening test reported that they heard it from health care workers, 25.7%(48) from their relatives and friends. 62.3% (187) of the participants heard about colorectal cancer screening tests. While 96.7% (290) of the participants believed that those tests were necessary, 85% (255) of the participants thought that the aim of the colorectal cancer screening test was to catch the disease at an early stage. Only 29% (87) of the participants were informed by the doctor about colorectal cancer screening tests. Only 25% (75) of the participants knew names of colorectal cancer screening tests correctly. 39.7% (60) of the participants over the age of 50 had a CRC screening test. While the participants considered changes in the habit of defecation as the most frequent sign of CRC, the most known risk factor was the family history of CRC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study ıt was determined that individuals had a lock of knowledge about CRC and the rate of screening test recommended for those over the age of 50 was low. For this reason, Family Physicians, who are great importance in terms of ptotective medicine should inform and guide their patients more about the screening test.