Abstract
Introduction
The level of awareness among the Irish public regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain. This study aimed to characterise CRC knowledge levels among a cohort of Irish patients.
Methods
A survey evaluating CRC knowledge levels was distributed among outpatients at a gastroenterology clinic in a Dublin teaching hospital.
Results
In total, 472 surveys were distributed of which 465 (98.5%) were returned. Twenty-nine percent of respondents correctly judged CRC to be the commonest cause of cancer death among the options provided while 26% correctly judged the lifetime risk of CRC; 59% underestimated and 15% overestimated the risk. Most patients (91%) were willing to pay 300 euros for a prompt colonoscopy if recommended by their physician while 7% opted to wait 6 months for a free colonoscopy.
Conclusions
There is a willingness to embrace CRC screening and to shoulder some of the financial burden that this entails.
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Harewood, G.C., Murray, F., Patchett, S. et al. Assessment of colorectal cancer knowledge and patient attitudes towards screening: is Ireland ready to embrace colon cancer screening?. Ir J Med Sci 178, 7–12 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0163-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0163-x