Assessment of Knowledge and Barriers to Colon Cancer Screening Among the General Public in the Qassim Region

Colorectal cancer (CRC) prevalence in Saudi Arabia has been increasing in recent years. To enhance the uptake of preventive CRC screening services, it is important to understand the individual enablers and barriers associated with screening.

A descriptive cross-sectional study employing convenience sampling was conducted using a self-administered online survey among 500 adult participants residing in the Qassim Region. The data collection took place between July 30, 2024, and September 1, 2024. Logistic regression was performed using R programming (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria), while Python (Python Software Foundation, Wilmington, DE) was utilized for graph generation.

Adults' knowledge of CRC screening was significantly influenced by family history (AdjOR = 0.152; 99% CI: 0.056-0.393), symptom-based screening (AdjOR = 1.963; 95% CI: 1.045-3.730), and discussions with health promoters (AdjOR = 35.25; 99% CI: 15.36-90.84). Barriers to colorectal screening were significantly influenced by the perception that CRC is not a serious health threat (AdjOR = 2.059; 99% CI: 1.252-3.389) and a lack of transportation (AdjOR = 1.589; 95% CI: 1.017-2.477). Past negative screening experiences were significant barriers to colonoscopy (AdjOR = 2.818; 99% CI: 1.751-4.640), while the belief that the fecal occult blood test was not important (AdjOR = 2.147; 99% CI: 1.374-3.423) increased the likelihood of CRC screening.

Notable information gaps and low awareness of CRC screening persist. Transportation challenges and past negative experiences with colonoscopy services discourage individuals from seeking preventive care. The Ministry of Health must address perceptions of screening to promote behavioral change and dispel misconceptions by providing psychological support, public education, and financial assistance to reduce barriers.