Colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer in Egypt: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Abdallah R. Allam, M.A. Elsayed, Ibrahim Tawfiq Daghash, Ali Abdelaziz, Omnia M. Mostafa, Hamdy Khaled Sabra, Ahmed Monib Eldaboush, Noor Maged Badrawy Ahmed, Rawan Tarek Elweza, Enas Sherif Adwy, Abdelrahman Elbendary Hammad, Ibrahim Kabbash, Ahmed Hafez Allam, Ammar Ayman Bahbah, Marwa Ibrahim Ewis, Mohamed Mohamed Shawqi, Mostafa Behery Behery, Yara Mohamed El-Said, Ahmed Eid Radwan, Mahmoud Tawfik KhallafAllah, Omar Ali Aboshady, Mohamed A. Gouda
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Current guidelines advocate for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in adults who are at risk by using direct visualization methods such as colonoscopy. However, in Egypt, there is a paucity of data regarding the current practice of colonoscopy screening. Moreover, more information is needed about the knowledge and attitudes of potential participants regarding the procedure and possible barriers that can limit their participation. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study using an interview-based survey of patients aged 45 years or above who presented to outpatient clinics of nine university hospitals throughout Egypt. Participants were surveyed to assess their compliance with CRC colonoscopy screening guidelines, their knowledge of and attitude towards colonoscopy screening, and their perspective on potential barriers to colonoscopy screening. RESULTS: A total of 1,453 participants responded to our survey in the nine study centers. Only a minority of participants (2.3%) were referred for CRC screening. Referral rates were higher among those who knew someone with a history of CRC (5.3% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001) or had a discussion with their physician about CRC (25.8% vs 0.7%, p < 0.001). Few responders (3.2%) had good knowledge regarding CRC screening. After introducing the concept of CRC screening to all participants, most patients (66.7%) showed a positive attitude towards having the procedure. Financial burden and fear of results were the two most frequently cited barriers to undergoing CRC screening (81.1%; and 60.1%, respecteively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the positive attitude, there is insufficient knowledge about CRC screening among eligible participants in Egypt. This has probably contributed to low compliance with current CRC screening guidelines and needs to be addressed at the national level.