Friday, September 16, 2011

Awareness of symptoms/risk factors for colorectal cancer is low

A new study by Dr. Emily Power and colleagues, published in the journal BMC Cancer , indicates that awareness of the symptoms or risk factors for colorectal cancer is low.

Participants were asked to recall the symptoms of colorectal cancer (changes in normal bowel habit, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, lump in the abdomen, or unexplained extreme tiredness) and risk factors for colorectal cancer (family history, high consumption of red/processed meat, increased body fat/obesity, or alcohol consumption).

Overall, respondents were able to recall just 1 symptom and 1 risk factor. Women faired better than men in ability to recall symptoms, while men outperformed women in the recall of risk factors. Older participants were more aware of symptoms and risk factors than young participants. While this study was conducted among participants only in the UK, this paper highlights the critical need for increased education of the symptoms and risk factors associated with colorectal cancer.

Clear here to read the paper.

n3 science communications, llc

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