# Awareness regarding risk factors of colon cancer and practices regarding screening for CRC among population of Aljouf region 2022, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study assesses colon cancer awareness and screening practices in Saudi Arabia's Aljouf region, finding that many people lack knowledge about symptoms despite believing in early screening.

## Contribution

The study provides region-specific insights into colon cancer awareness and screening practices in the Aljouf region of Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- 71% of participants believed early screening lowers colon cancer risk.
- 52.8% of participants showed inadequate knowledge about colorectal cancer symptoms.
- The study highlights a need to improve public awareness about colon cancer signs and screening.

## Abstract

According to the Saudi Cancer Incidence Report 2020, colon cancer ranks number one in terms of incidence in the country. To assess awareness about its prevention, we aimed to assess the level of awareness and screening practices.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the three governorates of Aljouf region, Sakaka, Tabarjal, and Qurayyat, one mall and one souq (bazaar) were randomly selected in each of these to cover all different social groups. We surveyed 422 participants using a structured questionnaire to gather information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, general knowledge about colon cancer and its signs and symptoms, and risk factors of colon cancer.

While 71% of participants believed that early screening lowers the risk of colon cancer, more than half of respondents (52.8%) demonstrated inadequate knowledge about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.

The knowledge regarding colorectal cancer needs to be raised in the general population.