Knowledge of primary and secondary colorectal cancer prevention among young people in Poland

Colorectal cancer-specific mortality in Poland exceeds the average for European Union countries. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about colorectal cancer and primary and secondary prevention. The original questionnaire was used in the study. 184 randomly selected respondents were included in the analysis (mean age 35 years). Only half of respondents knew the correct definition of screening test and only one-third of respondents correctly indicated the target group of Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Poland. The main source of information about colorectal cancer was internet, rather than physicians and nurses. Lower knowledge of colorectal cancer was reported among respondents from small cities and villages, with less education and unemployed. The knowledge about colorectal cancer prevention is insufficient among polish population. Education seems to be an important part of health promotion, especially among people with low awareness of cancer risk factors and screening test.

Colorectal cancer-specific mortality in Poland exceeds the average for European Union countries. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about colorectal cancer and primary and secondary prevention. The original questionnaire was used in the study. 184 randomly selected respondents were included in the analysis (mean age 35 years). Only half of respondents knew the correct definition of screening test and only one-third of respondents correctly indicated the target group of Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Poland. The main source of information about colorectal cancer was internet, rather than physicians and nurses. Lower knowledge of colorectal cancer was reported among respondents from small cities and villages, with less education and unemployed. The knowledge about colorectal cancer prevention is insufficient among polish population. Education seems to be an important part of health promotion, especially among people with low awareness of cancer risk factors and screening test.