COLORECTAL CANCER: A SURVEY OF THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF CLINIC ATTENDEES IN NIGERIA

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a disease of public health importance as a result of its increase and late presentation in Nigeria and West Africa. It is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite improvement in the screening and management of CRC, many patients still present in very late stages where curative resection is not possible. This survey was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, and risk assessment of CRC among clinic attendees in Nigeria.

Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables were summarized using frequency. Level of knowledge was assessed using a scoring system and level of risk was assessed by giving a score based on the number and type of risk factors present in each respondent. Chi-squared test was used to find the association between knowledge, risk of developing colorectal cancer and socio-demographic characteristics. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant throughout the analysis.

Of the 371 respondents, 192(52%) are male while 179(48%) are female. Also, 56% had good knowledge while 44% had poor knowledge of CRC. Level of knowledge was statistically significant with marital status only.Respondents generally had good knowledge of the symptoms of CRC as 75% and 80% said bloody stool and weight loss are respectively symptoms of CRC. Also, Knowledge of risk factors of CRC was generally good as 79% and 69% were aware that cigarette smoking and intake of fatty food respectively are risk factors of CRC. Eighty four percent (84%) had Low Risk while 16% had High Risk of developing CRC. The level of risk of developing CRC was statistically significant with Age, Occupation, Marital Status, and Level of education.

Changes in life style have created the constant increase in the risk of developing CRC among Nigerians and other Africans. Concerted efforts at every level are necessary to stop this trend.