Determination of Risk Awareness and Knowledge Levels of First Degree Relatives of Colorectal Cancer Patients: The Case of Turkey

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge level of first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients about colorectal cancer and their awareness of colorectal cancer risk factors.

Method: This is a descriptive study. 251 patients undergoing chemotherapy with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer in a university hospital constituted the sample of the study. The data were obtained by face-to-face interview method using the Information Form and the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Knowledge and Awareness Levels of Colorectal Cancers.

Results: The mean score of the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Knowledge and Awareness Levels of Colorectal Cancers was found to be 10.61 ± 5.65. This score indicated that individuals undergoing chemotherapy with a family history of colorectal cancer had a moderate level of knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer. Two-thirds of the participants reported that they had knowledge that diabetes, obesity, lifestyle, smoking and alcohol use increased the risk of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion: The results revealed that It was observed that elderly, low educated, male and rural-dwelling participants needed more education on improving the level of knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancers.