Attitudes and knowledge of colorectal cancer and screening in Hong Kong: a population-based study.
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third of all cancer mortalities in Hong Kong. CRC screening can reduce mortality. However, participation in the CRC screening program depends on the knowledge and attitude of the population. The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge and attitude towards CRC screening in the Hong Kong population.


METHODS
One thousand and thirty-three patients were interviewed by telephone survey. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed by using questionnaires.


RESULTS
Only 8.9% of the respondents were able to mention that CRC was the second commonest cancer cause of death; 4.5% believed they would have a higher chance of developing CRC as compared to other cancers, and 7.4% could mention one of the screening methods. Approximately half (50.3%) were unable to identify any available screening venue. Approximately one-third (29.5%) indicated that they would definitely join a free CRC screening program, but the percentage dropped to 7.9% when a paid screening program was offered. Some (30.4%) of the respondents had the wrong impression that they did not require CRC screening because they were asymptomatic. Multivariate analysis showed that the independent predictor for participating in free screening was the concern level of getting CRC, while that for a paid screening program was a positive family history of CRC and the concern level. The concern level was dependent on a positive family history and knowledge of CRC.


CONCLUSIONS
The general population in Hong Kong had deficient knowledge of CRC and screening. Education on the impact of CRC and beneficial effects of CRC screening should be offered before launching a CRC screening program.
Wong
Benjamin Cy
BC
Department of Medicine and Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. bcywong@hku.hk
Chan
Annie Oo
AO
Wong
Wai M
WM
Hui
Wai M
WM
Kung
Hsiang F
HF
Lam
Shiu K
SK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic