Knowledge and Awareness of Colorectal Cancer among General Public of Kuwait

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

Department of Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, Kuwait.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer and also the fourth most common cause of cancer
related death in both men and women worldwide. The CRC is considered to be the second killer in Kuwait after breast
cancer. Aim: to assess and identify the level of knowledge and awareness of colorectal cancer with regards to risk
factors, symptoms and screening/imaging procedures among general public in the State of Kuwait. Method: A total of
1000 questionnaires were distributed and 675 questionnaires were completed, thus giving a response rate of 67.5%.
The questionnaire was split into 4 categories representing demographic variables, risk factors, symptoms of CRC and
awareness of diagnostic procedures. Statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametric test K-W. Results: It showed
that 75% of the participants had heard about CRC. The most frequent risk factor that was chosen was the genetic factors
and family history (73.5%) with P ˂ 0.05; however, the minimal risk factor was diabetes (31%). Most of the symptoms
found to be related to colon rectal cancer were bloody stool, lower abdominal pain, obstructed intestine, and change
in the nature of the exit but the least common symptom was due to anemia (33%). MRI was identified to be the most
frequent diagnostic procedure (36%) followed by CT scan (31%). On the other hand, there were 187 (27.7%) of
the participants who had limited knowledge about these different diagnostic procedures. Conclusion: The need for
public awareness about diabetes as an important risk factor of CRC is necessary. Public seminars, school visits and social
media will have important role in educating the public with regards to symptoms and diagnostic procedures of CRC.

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