Public Awareness of Colorectal Cancer and Perceived Barriers to Its Screening Among Attendees of Primary Health Care Centers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, 2017

Dr. Hamad M. Alamri; Dr. Abdulrahman S. Alharbi; Dr. Areej M. Alqahtani; Dr.Maha S. Eltwansy; Dr.Asmaa Saleh Mohamed

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2017

Public Awareness of Colorectal Cancer and Perceived Barriers to Its Screening Among Attendees of Primary Health Care Centers in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, 2017

Dr. Hamad M. Alamri, Dr. Abdulrahman S. Alharbi, Dr. Areej M. Alqahtani, Dr. Maha S. Eltwansy, Dr. Asmaa Saleh Mohamed

Abstract :

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Saudi Arabia and its incidence is increasing over time. This study assessed the awareness of colorectal cancer (CRC)–related knowledge and perceived barriers to CRC screening.

Methods: The cross–sectional study involved 398 randomly selected participants in 10 health centers. A self–administered questionnaire obtained data on sociodemographics and on CRC awareness, signs, symptoms, risk factors, and screening.

Results: About half of the participants had a low level of awareness of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of CRC. A high income and a government job were significantly associated with a high level of awareness. Females tended to have a high level of awareness. Overall awareness of and willingness to undergo CRC screening was low. The most perceived barriers were lack of knowledge of CRC and absence of symptoms. Gender was a significantly associated with most of the perceived barriers to CRC screening.

Conclusion: Awareness of CRC and CRC screening program were low among PHC attendees in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The lack of awareness was the most perceived barrier preventing individuals from undergoing CRC screening. The Ministry of Health should establish a national program to raise CRC awareness and promote CRC screening.