Assessment of Public and High-Risk Group Awareness Regarding Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors in Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge of colorectal cancer (CRC) symptoms and risk factors among the general population and at-risk groups attending the Surgical Department at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar, from December 2023, to November 2024.
Methods: All adult patients who visited outpatient surgical clinics or accompanied patients admitted to surgical wards during the study period and were at least 18 years old were included in the study. Subjects were enrolled using convenience sampling.
Results: Total 64(35.6%) correctly identified rectal bleeding as a warning sign, while 51(28.3%) recognized persistent changes in bowel habits as a symptom. Other commonly known symptoms included abdominal pain
(27.2%) and unexplained weight loss (23.9%). However, only 31(17.2%) could identify three or more CRC-related symptoms accurately.
Conclusion: Knowledge of colorectal cancer symptoms and risk factors is minimal in general as well as in at-risk population of Peshawar, substantial disparities are found due to education and residence. Targeted awareness
programmes and increased physician involvement are crucial to increase early diagnosis and reduce CRC-load in this region.