Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant public health challenge. In Egypt, there's a concerning upward trend in CRC cases, which could be linked to factors like adopting a more westernized lifestyle and defective delivery of CRC screening. Colorectal polyps are a critical characteristic of most CRC cases. It usually takes at least 10 years for those grossly apparent polyps to proceed to CRC, this period represents a special window of opportunity for screening of CRC. Improving knowledge towards CRC screening among primary healthcare physicians (PHCPs) can lead to higher screening rates enhancing survival rates through early detection and appropriate medical interventions.
Aim of the work
This study aimed to assess knowledge and practice of PHCPs in Alexandria regarding CRC screening. In addition, the study aimed to assess the capacity of primary health care (PHC) facilities in Alexandria for CRC screening.
Subjects and methods
A cross sectional study was conducted in PHC facilities of Alexandria city, Egypt. The study included 158 PHCPs and 39 PHC facility managers. Data was collected between December 2022 and June 2023 by using a self-administered structured anonymous questionnaire. A structured interview schedule was also used with the PHC facility mangers to assess the capacity of PHC facilities for CRC screening. The study gained approval from Research Ethics Committee of both Alexandria Faculty of Medicine and the Egyptian Ministry of Health and population. Informed consents were obtained from the physicians enrolled in the study. Privacy and confidentiality of the data were ensured.