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. 2024 Sep 24;16(9):e70070.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.70070. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Preventive Measures Among Residents of Riyadh

Arezki Azzi  1 , Khaled M Alsultan  2 , Abdullah T Alaskar  2 , Maan T Alhazmi  2 , Jehad T Allhaibi  2 , Ali T Alanazi  2 , Sultan A Alkathami  2
Affiliations

Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Preventive Measures Among Residents of Riyadh

Arezki Azzi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant challenge to healthcare providers. Spreading awareness, providing preventive measures, and implementing screening programs are essential for detecting and halting the progression of the disease and decreasing the mortality associated with this type of malignancy. This study aimed to assess public knowledge and awareness of colorectal cancer preventive measures and screening programs among residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and also to design better healthcare interventions or policy development. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to participants using a Google survey. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, and occupation), a general understanding of CRC and its prevention, risk factors for developing CRC, barriers to undergoing CRC screening, and a 21-item questionnaire to assess awareness of CRC preventive measures. Results Of the 420 respondents, 301 (71.7%) were female, and 134 (31.9%) were between 18 and 29 years old. The overall mean awareness score was 12.5 (SD 3.05) out of 21 points. Accordingly, 240 (57.1%) were categorized as having moderate awareness, 70 (16.7%) as good, and 110 (26.2%) had poor awareness levels. Being younger, being unmarried, having heard of CRC and screening tests that detect colon cancer, and being aware of the CRC early detection campaign in Saudi Arabia were the factors associated with increased awareness. Conclusion There was modest awareness of CRC preventive measures among residents living in Riyadh. Significant predictors of increased awareness include younger age, being unmarried, having heard of CRC, having heard of screening tests to detect CRC, and awareness of the CRC early-detection campaigns in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare providers have a vital role in increasing awareness of CRC's preventive measures.

Keywords: awareness; colorectal cancer; preventive measures; risk factors for colorectal cancer; screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University IRB (IRB number HAPO-01-R-0011) issued approval 504-2023. The IMSIU research ethics committee approved the study protocol (project number 504-2023, approval date, July 1, 2023). Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Barriers to undergoing colorectal cancer screening
Figure 2
Figure 2. Sources of colorectal cancer early detection information
Figure 3
Figure 3. Awareness about risk factors for developing colorectal cancer
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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