Colonoscopy Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme in Southern Iraq: Challenges, Knowledge Gaps and Future Potential

Abstract

Data on current colorectal cancer screening practices in Iraq are limited. This study aimed to better understand the current colorectal cancer screening practice and perceived barriers. The project also aimed to use UK expertise to introduce Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) in Basra, Iraq. The study consisted of two parts: A pre-visit online survey of clinicians to test the project’s feasibility. A public survey was conducted to understand and gauge the general knowledge and perceived barriers to having colorectal cancer screening. The second phase included a short visit to Basra and the delivery of a multidisciplinary meeting for bowel screening colonoscopists. Fifty healthcare providers completed the survey. Basra has no established bowel cancer screening programme, let alone the country. Opportunistic colonoscopy surveillance is done on an ad hoc base. A total of 350 individuals completed the public survey. The survey showed that more than 50% of participants were not familiar with the concept of a BCSP and less than 25% were aware of “red flag” symptoms of bowel cancer. The short visit to Basra included a roundtable discussion and delivered a training workshop for screening colonoscopists using UK training materials in conjunction with the Iraqi Medical Association. Feedback from the course was extremely positive. Several potential barriers were identified to participate in BCSP. The study highlighted potential barriers, including a lack of public awareness and insufficient training resources to be addressed in future screening programmes. The study has identified several potential areas for future collaboration to support the development of a BCSP centre in Basra.