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Yehia SA, Alboraie M, Ashour R, Hassan D, Ezzat R, El-Raey F, Tag-Adeen M, Abdelaziz M, Asfour S, Abdellatef A, Abdeen N, Elsayed R, Elkhadry SW. Enhancing colorectal cancer prevention: a national assessment of public awareness in Egypt. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1415. [PMID: 38802842 PMCID: PMC11129470 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18746-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Egyptian population, it still seems that there is a significant lack of awareness regarding the disease. This study aimed to assess the Egyptian population's awareness of CRC regarding its risk factors, the screening procedures, and the appropriate responses to its diagnosis. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in Egypt between July 2022 and March 2023 and recruited a convenient sample of adults from seven governorates representing different geographic areas, and socioeconomic and educational backgrounds with the help of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) version 2.1. The modified Arabic questionnaire was validated through a pilot study including 30 patients. Then it was presented through a Google form before being shared via online methods and face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire provided both numerical and categorical data, which were analyzed accordingly. The Chi-square, the Fisher exact, and the Man-Whitney test were used to compare colorectal cancer poor and good knowledge groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict the factors that affected the awareness level of the study population. RESULTS Nine hundred forty individuals participated in the survey. Their ages ranged from 18 to 86 years old, with an average of 37.38 ± 12.22 years. The mean Knowledge score was 14.29 ± 7.05 out of 37 with most of our participants (71%) having poor knowledge about CRC. Most of the participants (64.1%) chose colonoscopy as the best screening modality, followed by an abdominal CT (27.8%), and fecal occult blood (15.5%). The study revealed significant differences between participants with good and poor knowledge of colorectal cancer. (78.5%) of participants with good CRC knowledge lived in cities, (85.4%) attained university or higher educational level, and (87.2%) of them were nonsmokers (p < 0.05%). CONCLUSION In general, there was a lack of awareness about Colorectal cancer among the Egyptian population especially among rural and lower educational levels, and more health education campaigns are required to enhance CRC prevention efforts in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sania Ali Yehia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Department of Internal Medicine Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham Ashour
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Dalia Hassan
- Alexandria petroleum hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Reem Ezzat
- Internal Medicine Department, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Fathiya El-Raey
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Sulaiman Al Rajhi University, Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Tag-Adeen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena Faculty of Medicine, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdelaziz
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Neuclear Medicine, Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sabry Asfour
- Department of Pediatrics, Matrouh General Hospital, Matruh, Egypt
| | - Abeer Abdellatef
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatogastroenetrology Division, Kasr Al-Aini Hospitals, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermeen Abdeen
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Rasha Elsayed
- Department of Internal Medicine Gastroenterology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sally Waheed Elkhadry
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
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Elshami M, Dwikat MF, Al-Slaibi I, Alser M, Albandak ME, Ayyad M, Naji SA, Mohamad BM, Isleem WS, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Qabaja YA, Hamdan FK, Sweity RR, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Hmaid MM, Awwad II, Alhabil BK, Alarda MN, Alsattari AS, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Giacaman CT, Alnaga AY, Nemer RMA, Almadhoun NM, Skaik SM, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Understanding the interplay of colorectal cancer awareness and attitudes among Palestinians: a national cross-sectional study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:590. [PMID: 38750448 PMCID: PMC11094844 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Palestine, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality after lung cancer. No studies have examined the relationship between CRC awareness and attitudes. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between CRC awareness and attitudes among the Palestinian population. METHODS A nationwide cross-sectional survey was carried out between July 2019 and March 2020. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and public areas in 11 governorates. Modified, translated-into-Arabic versions of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale were utilized to assess the awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors, and causation myths. The cumulative awareness score for each domain was computed and stratified into tertiles. The top tertile denoted 'high' awareness, while the remaining two tertiles denoted 'low' awareness. RESULTS The final analysis included 4,623 participants; of whom, 3115 (67.4%) reported positive attitudes toward CRC. In total, 1,849 participants (40.0%) had high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms. There was no association between displaying a high awareness of CRC signs/symptoms and having positive attitudes toward CRC. A total of 1,840 participants (38.9%) showed high awareness of CRC risk factors. Participants with high CRC risk factor awareness were more likely to display positive attitudes toward CRC (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.39). Only 219 participants (4.7%) had high awareness of CRC causation myths. Participants with high awareness of CRC causation myths were more likely to exhibit positive attitudes toward CRC (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.71-3.58). CONCLUSION A high awareness level of CRC risk factors and causation myths was associated with a greater likelihood of demonstrating positive attitudes toward CRC in terms of perceived susceptibility, importance of early detection, and consequences of developing the disease. Future educational interventions should focus on raising public awareness about CRC, with a particular emphasis on risk factors and causation myths, to maximize the potential for shaping favorable attitudes toward the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside, Cleveland, OH, 7100, 44106, USA.
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Fuad Dwikat
- Department of Internships, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Alser
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Ayyad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | - Bashar Yaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | - Khayria Ali Assaf
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | - Iyas Imad Awwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rinad AlSharif
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Khraiwesh H, Abdelrahim DN, Mahmoud IF, Faris M. Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices toward Colorectal Cancer and Its Dietary and Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors among Jordanian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Cancer Epidemiol 2024; 2024:4503448. [PMID: 38405266 PMCID: PMC10883744 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4503448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising, and it is a leading cause of mortality, with greater death rates pronounced in developing countries, including Jordan. Understanding knowledge and awareness of etiologic factors, unhealthy lifestyles, and dietary patterns is crucial for combating ailments. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating the level of knowledge and awareness of CRC-related risk factors, practices, and possible associations of studied variables among young Jordanians. Methodology. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using an online self-reported assessment of anthropometrics, knowledge, awareness, and dietary and lifestyle practices toward CRC and its related risk factors. Results A study of 795 Jordanian university students found that 93.8% were Jordanians, 73.0% were female, aged 18-24, and single. Most participants were from medical and science schools (69.4%). The vast majority (about 84%) were found to have good knowledge and awareness of CRC and its risk factors, but this was not reflected in their dietary practices. There are significant differences in physical activity, smoking, vegetable consumption, and serving sizes of red meat and processed meats between the sexes. Academic study specialties significantly impact knowledge and awareness. Conclusion The study reveals that while young Jordanian university students have good knowledge and awareness about CRC and its risk factors, these levels are not reflected in their dietary behaviors and food choices for CRC prevention, highlighting the need for national programs to improve these practices, particularly in the younger population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husam Khraiwesh
- Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa' Applied University, Salt, Jordan
| | - Dana N. Abdelrahim
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Iman F. Mahmoud
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - MoezAlIslam Faris
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences/Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
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Elshami M, Ayyad M, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Ahmed Naji S, Mohamad BM, Sudki Isleem W, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Qabaja YA, Hmdan FK, Fuad Dwikat M, Raed Sweity R, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Albandak ME, Madhat Hmaid M, Awwad II, Khalil Alhabil B, Alarda MN, Saleh Alsattari A, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Teddy Giacaman C, Alnaga AY, Nemer RMA, Almadhoun NM, Mahmoud Skaik S, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Awareness of colorectal cancer signs and symptoms: a national cross-sectional study from Palestine. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:866. [PMID: 35501803 PMCID: PMC9063349 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13285-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-resource settings, the awareness level of colorectal cancer (CRC) signs and symptoms plays a crucial role in early detection and treatment. This study examined the public awareness level of CRC signs and symptoms in Palestine and investigated the factors associated with good awareness. METHODS This was a national cross-sectional study conducted at hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates across Palestine between July 2019 and March 2020. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated bowel cancer awareness measure (BoCAM) was utilized to assess the awareness level of CRC signs and symptoms. For each correctly identified CRC sign/symptom, one point was given. The total score (ranging from 0 to 12) was calculated and categorized into three categories based on the number of symptoms recognized: poor (0 to 4), fair (5 to 8), and good awareness (9 to 12). RESULTS Of 5254 approached, 4877 participants completed the questionnaire (response rate = 92.3%). A total of 4623 questionnaires were included in the analysis; 1923 were from the Gaza Strip and 2700 from the West Bank and Jerusalem (WBJ). Participants from the Gaza Strip were younger, gained lower monthly income, and had less chronic diseases than participants in the WBJ. The most frequently identified CRC sign/symptom was 'lump in the abdomen' while the least was 'pain in the back passage'. Only 1849 participants (40.0%, 95% CI: 39.0%-41.0%) had a good awareness level of CRC signs/symptoms. Participants living in the WBJ were more likely to have good awareness than participants living in the Gaza Strip (42.2% vs. 37.0%; p = 0.002). Knowing someone with cancer (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.21-1.55; p < 0.001) and visiting hospitals (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.25-1.70; p < 0.001) were both associated with higher likelihood of having good awareness. However, male gender (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94; p = 0.006) and following a vegetarian diet (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48-0.73; p < 0.001) were both associated with lower likelihood of having good awareness. CONCLUSION Less than half of the study participants had a good awareness level of CRC signs and symptoms. Future education interventions are needed to improve public awareness of CRC in Palestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Lakeside 7100, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine.
| | - Mohammed Ayyad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bashar Yaghi
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Khayria Ali Assaf
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | | | | | - Iyas Imad Awwad
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rinad AlSharif
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | | | | | | | | | - Sondos Mahmoud Skaik
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds Abu Dis University Al-Azhar Branch of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
| | | | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestine
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Al-Dahshan A, Chehab M, Bala M, Omer M, AlMohamed O, Al-Kubaisi N, Selim N. Colorectal cancer awareness and its predictors among adults aged 50-74 years attending primary healthcare in the State of Qatar: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035651. [PMID: 32641359 PMCID: PMC7342467 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to assess the awareness of colorectal cancer (CRC) symptoms and risk factors among the at-risk population visiting the primary healthcare (PHC) centres in Qatar. The secondary objective was to assess the differences in awareness among population subgroups. DESIGN A cross-sectional study design was employed. SETTING The study was conducted across six PHC centres in Qatar. PARTICIPANTS Patients, or their accompanying people, aged 50-74 years and Arabic or English speakers, were recruited from the main waiting areas of the selected PHC centres. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Participants were interviewed using the validated Bowel/Colorectal Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was applied to recruit participants. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used when appropriate. A multivariate linear regression model was constructed to identify the independent predictors of CRC awareness. RESULTS The study includes 448 participants (response rate=87%). The mean age of the participants was 58.48 years (SD ±6.37). The mean awareness score among the participants was 3.63/9 (SD ±2.7) for CRC symptoms and 5.43/11 (SD ±3.3) for CRC risk factors. The overall mean awareness score was 9.03/20 (SD ±5.5). Multivariate linear regression identified the female gender (2.52 (95% CI 1.15 to 3.88)), non-Qatari Arab (2.91 (95% CI 1.64 to 4.18)) or non-Arab nationalities (1.76 (95% CI 0.28 to 3.24)), and tertiary education (4.10 (95% CI 2.55 to 5.66)) as independent predictors of higher CRC awareness. CONCLUSION In general, the awareness of CRC symptoms and risk factors was low among the at-risk population in Qatar. Specifically, the regression analysis showed men, Qataris, and those with no formal education had low awareness of CRC symptoms and risk factors. Such results emphasise the importance of tailoring future educational campaigns that are relevant, specific and appealing to such cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Al-Dahshan
- Community Medicine, Medical Education Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamad Chehab
- Community Medicine, Medical Education Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Bala
- Community Medicine, Medical Education Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mieaad Omer
- Community Medicine, Medical Education Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omayma AlMohamed
- Operations Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noora Al-Kubaisi
- Clinical Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nagah Selim
- Department of Workforce Training, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Elshami M, Elshami A, Alshorbassi N, Alkhatib M, Ismail I, Abu-Nemer K, Hana M, Qandeel A, Abdelwahed A, Yazji H, Abuamro H, Matar G, Alsahhar A, Abolamzi A, Baraka O, Elblbessy M, Samra T, Bottcher B. Knowledge level of cancer symptoms and risk factors in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:414. [PMID: 32228661 PMCID: PMC7106782 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income settings, cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages due to late presentation. Good public awareness of cancer signs and symptoms has a positive impact on the time patients take before they present to healthcare professionals. Therefore, this study examined public knowledge of cancer signs and symptoms as well as risk factors in Gaza. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from adult visitors (≥18 years) to governmental hospitals covering all five governorates of Gaza, and adolescent students (15 to 17 years) from 10 high schools in corresponding locations. An Arabic version of the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) was completed in a face-to-face interview. It described demographic data and knowledge of: cancer prevalence, age-related risk, signs and symptoms as well as risk factors both in recall and recognition questions. RESULTS Of 3033 participants invited, 2886 completed the CAM (response rate = 95.2%). Adult mean age ± standard deviation was 33.7 ± 11.7 years and that of adolescents was 16.3 ± 0.8 years. Half of the participants (n = 1457, 50.5%) were adolescent (781 females; 53.6%) and 1429 (49.5%) were adult (702 females; 49.1%). About two thirds (n = 1885) thought about cancer as unrelated to age. Only 196 participants (6.8%) identified colorectal cancer as the most common cancer among men. Awareness of cancer signs/symptoms was poor to fair, where 'lump' was most commonly recognized (n = 2227, 77.2%) and 'change of bowel habit' the least (n = 670, 23.2%). Only 217 participants (7.5%) had a good level of recognizing risk factors with 'smoking' being the most identified and 'eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day' the least. There was a higher likelihood for adults to identify most cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors than adolescents, except for recalling 'unexplained pain', 'persistent cough/hoarseness', 'non-healing ulcer', 'smoking', and 'eating less than five portions of fruits and vegetables a day'. CONCLUSION Public awareness of cancer signs/symptoms and risk factors needs to improve to facilitate early presentation and diagnosis in Gaza. Combining the delivery of public campaigns with tailored education to population groups, including the youth, may increase their knowledge and maintain its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedraed Elshami
- Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestine. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alaa Elshami
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | | | - Mohammed Alkhatib
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Iyad Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Khitam Abu-Nemer
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Mustafa Hana
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Qandeel
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Abdelwahed
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Hamza Yazji
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Hisham Abuamro
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ghadeer Matar
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Alsahhar
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Ahmed Abolamzi
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Obay Baraka
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Mahmood Elblbessy
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Tahani Samra
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
| | - Bettina Bottcher
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Unviersity of Gaza, Gaza, 108, Palestine
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Abstract
Background: Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) provides an effective strategy for early detection and prevention of the disease; however, global screening rates are still low. Purpose: This study aims at assessing the awareness of CRC risk factors, warning signs, and attitudes towards CRC guidelines and screening modalities, in order to identify the barriers to and correlates of CRC screening in the Lebanese population. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 371 participants in the largest health care medical center in Lebanon. A validated 12- and 9-item Cancer Awareness Measurement questionnaire was used to assess participants’ awareness of CRC risk factors and warning signs. Results: 83% and 67% of participants were not aware of CRC risk factors and warning signs, respectively, 15% have previously undergone CRC screening, 56% were aware of the necessity for screening, and 43% were willing to undergo screening. Factors affecting awareness of the necessity for CRC screening, past screening and willingness to screen included awareness of risk factors and warning signs, undergoing regular physician check-ups, having a family physician as a primary source of knowledge of CRC, and knowing a family member or friend diagnosed with CRC. Barriers to screening were related to participants’ evaluation of the screening technique and misconceptions about this disease. Conclusion: Serious active measures should be taken by health care sectors, authoritative groups, primary care physicians, and awareness campaigns to fill the gap in awareness of this disease and to alleviate the barriers and misconceptions around it.
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