The degree of awareness of the population of the Karaganda region on the incidence and prevention of colorectal cancer: A literature review

Abstract

Relevance: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cancer in yearly morbidity and mortality. WHO forecasts that 2030 CRC incidence will exceed 2.2 million cases yearly, and mortality will increase to 1.1 million yearly. More than 3,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are detected annually in Kazakhstan. In disease control, it is necessary to develop preventive measures as much as possible. Preventive measures play a crucial role in reducing mortality from this disease. One of the most critical issues is the lack of public awareness about the disease.
The study aimed to analyze the global experience in preventing colorectal cancer to develop measures to raise public awareness.
Methods: A continuous search was performed in the PubMed, CrossRe, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for 2013-2023 for the keywords “colorectal cancer,” “risk factors,” “public awareness,” “medical literacy,” “morbidity,” and “prevention.” In total, more than 75 scientific articles and 500 abstracts were reviewed.
Results: The problem is aggravated by the fact that among patients with an oncological diagnosis, patients with colorectal cancer, or patients with a confirmed diagnosis of the disease, there is insufficient information about this disease, and they neglect preventive measures. Firstly, we insist that the population is not fully aware of the responsibility for their health (this is influenced by a false sense of shame and insufficient awareness of the disease), and secondly, primary prevention is essential. Accordingly, it is necessary to increase the effectiveness of screening programs, improve awareness, and organize full-fledged assistance from the state in disease control.
Conclusion: Colorectal cancer is an urgent disease that occupies an essential place in Kazakhstan’s list of oncological diseases. Due to the increased awareness of the population about this disease and the correct solution to prevention issues, it will be possible to reduce the incidence among patients. In this regard, it is necessary to widely disseminate information about the disease among the population and increase patients’ responsibility for their health.