Saudi Public Awareness Regarding Colon Cancer
Nehad Jaser Ahmed
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
Meshari Alrashidi
College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in the world and in Saudi Arabia it is the second most common cancer ranking first among men and third among women. In Saudi Arabia there are no screening programs on a national level that conduct organized screening of colon cancer. Moreover, the knowledge about colon cancer is poor.
Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and awareness of Saudi population about colon cancer.
Methodology: The study consisted of a survey that was developed using a survey of previous study and after validation it was converted to online form and was distributed to be filled by the public.
Results: Public awareness regarding colon cancer is suboptimal, improving colon cancer awareness with educational interventions is needed specially for vulnerable people.
Conclusion: Serious active measures should be taken to fill the gap in awareness of this disease for the public and health care workers.
Keywords: Awareness, colon cancer, knowledge, screening