Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness and Compliance Rates over the Age of 40: Single Center Data in Türkiye

Abstract

The frequency of colorectal cancer is increasing under the age of 50, and new sights have emerged regarding the initiation of screening in the earlier age group. This study aims to measure the consciousness of patients over the age of 40 about colorectal cancer screening and to reveal the screening rates of individuals over the age of 50. 300 consecutive patients who applied to our center and were older than 40 years of age were included. The questionnaire was created based on current guidelines and literature knowledge by the investigators and done through face-to-face interviews. Patients over 50 years of age who did not undergo screening were analyzed by dividing them into groups according to their socio-demographic characteristics and colorectal cancer risk factors. While 64.7% of the participants stated that they knew about colorectal cancer screening, only 32.4% of the participants aged 50 and over had colorectal cancer screening. The vast majority of patients stated that they did not have enough knowledge about the subject. The rate of participants who stated that they were considering entering the cancer screening program after completing this questionnaire was 73.7%. Colorectal cancer screening rates of non-smokers, women, and married participants were higher than the other group (P=0.016, P=0.017, and P=0.033, respectively). This study shows low screening compliance of individuals over the age of 50. We think that it is important to encourage and inform all adults over the age of 40 about colorectal cancer screening for public health.