Community (mis)understanding of colorectal cancer treatment.
BACKGROUND
A study was undertaken to assess community understanding of colorectal cancer symptoms and colorectal cancer treatment.


METHODS
A computer-assisted telephone survey was undertaken to interview 1000 men and women aged 40-60 years.


RESULTS
Overall there was a considerable lack of information in the community about colorectal cancer symptoms and treatment. Men were less knowledgeable than women, and 28% of men were unable to name any symptoms of bowel cancer. Although surgery was mentioned by 53% of the sample, a third could not name any treatments. Most responses to questions about the effects of treatment related to chemotherapy-related disturbances and the possibility of having a colostomy bag postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
There is inaccurate information in the community about colorectal cancer symptoms and treatment. This may inhibit involvement in screening programmes or delay presentation for therapy, as a result of undue concern about the prospects of treatment.
Thomas
R J
RJ
Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Clarke
V A
VA
D000328:Adult; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D003125:Colostomy; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires