Endoscopy · 1996 · 21 citations · 0 references
MedicineClinical SciencesOncologyCancer ScreeningGastroenterologyGastrointestinal OncologyCancer SurveillanceColonic DiseasesColorectal CancerColorectal SurgeryScreeningSurveillance MethodsCancer Risk SurveillanceColorectal Cancer Screening
The study aimed to assess patients’ knowledge of colorectal carcinoma risk, screening, and treatment among those with long‑standing ulcerative colitis. A postal questionnaire was sent to 61 patients, 43 of whom returned it, asking about carcinoma risk, screening availability, and treatment options. Among respondents, 86 % recognized the increased cancer risk, yet only 44 % knew screening was possible and 47 % were unaware that screening‑detected cancer requires surgery, highlighting a need for improved public education.
The present study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge concerning colorectal carcinoma and its screening and treatment in a group of patients with long-standing and extensive ulcerative colitis.A postal questionnaire was sent to 61 patients with long-standing and extensive ulcerative colitis. They were asked about their risk of carcinoma, about the existence of screening facilities, and about the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.Forty-three completed questionnaires were returned. Eighty-six per cent of patients were aware of the increased risk of carcinoma. Only 44% knew that it was possible to screen for colorectal carcinoma. Forty-seven per cent of patients were unaware that carcinoma detected at screening would require surgical removal.Large numbers of patients are unaware of the existence of screening facilities for colorectal cancer, and are ignorant of the treatment of the disease. Increased public information is required to improve compliance with screening programmes, and to enable patients to take part in decisions about their management.