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.