Kathryn Lynes1, Sahar A Kazmi2, Jordan D Robery2, Simon Wong2, Deborah Gilbert3, Mohamed A Thaha4. 1. Blizard Institute, National Centre for Bowel Research & Surgical Innovation, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University London, 2 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, United Kingdom. Electronic address: klynes@nhs.net. 2. Colorectal Unit, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BB, United Kingdom. 3. Bowel & Cancer Research, 2 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, United Kingdom. 4. Blizard Institute, National Centre for Bowel Research & Surgical Innovation, Barts and the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University London, 2 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, United Kingdom; Colorectal Unit, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BB, United Kingdom.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) via reduction of lifestyle risk factors, and participation in bowel screening are two ways in which public engagement could lower mortality from colorectal cancer. This study examined public awareness of lifestyle risk factors and bowel screening, with determination of the factors affecting this. METHODS: A representative population sample (n = 1969) was surveyed using a study specific postal questionnaire to determine demographics, experience of bowel problems, awareness of lifestyle risk factors, knowledge about the incidence of CRC and potential benefits of screening, as well as personal experience of screening. RESULTS: The majority of respondents were aged over 50 (74%). 77% had either personal experience or a relative/friend with experience of a bowel problem. Knowledge of dietary advice was better than risks relating to weight and physical activity. Awareness of lifestyle risk factors was significantly worse in those less than 50 years old (p = 0.0004) and with a lower level of education (p = 0.0021). Awareness of bowel cancer diagnosis was significantly lower in those less than 50 years old (p=<0.0001). The most frequent reason for non-completion of a screening kit was that the process was dirty and unpleasant. CONCLUSION: Initiatives are required to improve awareness of younger people with regard to lifestyle risk factors for CRC, especially since this group stand to benefit most from risk reduction. Those with a lower educational level also had poor awareness but felt that the NHS should not prescribe exercise and lifestyle change; targeting this group would need to take this into account.
INTRODUCTION: Prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) via reduction of lifestyle risk factors, and participation in bowel screening are two ways in which public engagement could lower mortality from colorectal cancer. This study examined public awareness of lifestyle risk factors and bowel screening, with determination of the factors affecting this. METHODS: A representative population sample (n = 1969) was surveyed using a study specific postal questionnaire to determine demographics, experience of bowel problems, awareness of lifestyle risk factors, knowledge about the incidence of CRC and potential benefits of screening, as well as personal experience of screening. RESULTS: The majority of respondents were aged over 50 (74%). 77% had either personal experience or a relative/friend with experience of a bowel problem. Knowledge of dietary advice was better than risks relating to weight and physical activity. Awareness of lifestyle risk factors was significantly worse in those less than 50 years old (p = 0.0004) and with a lower level of education (p = 0.0021). Awareness of bowel cancer diagnosis was significantly lower in those less than 50 years old (p=<0.0001). The most frequent reason for non-completion of a screening kit was that the process was dirty and unpleasant. CONCLUSION: Initiatives are required to improve awareness of younger people with regard to lifestyle risk factors for CRC, especially since this group stand to benefit most from risk reduction. Those with a lower educational level also had poor awareness but felt that the NHS should not prescribe exercise and lifestyle change; targeting this group would need to take this into account.
Authors: Mohamad Ali Tfaily; Dana Naamani; Alaa Kassir; Sara Sleiman; Mamadou Ouattara; Munir Paul Moacdieh; Miran A Jaffa Journal: Ann Glob Health Date: 2019-05-28 Impact factor: 2.462
Authors: Markus Dines Knudsen; Geir Hoff; Ida Tidemann-Andersen; Gry Ekeberg Bodin; Sissel Øvervold; Paula Berstad Journal: J Cancer Educ Date: 2021-10 Impact factor: 2.037