Inadequate screening and low awarness about risk factors among first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients
Abstract
First-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients have higher risk of disease, thus colonoscopic screening should be started at the age of 40 in this group. Goal of the study was to assess their awarness of the colorectal cancer risk factors and their compliance with colorectal cancer screening programme.
We have found low awarness of colorectal cancer risk factors in colorectal cancer patients and their relatives before their diagnosis respectively before their counselling. First-degree relatives are aware of their increased risk, however their screening participation is unsatisfactory.
Screening is performed only in minority of first-degree relatives, often late and with inappropriate modality (FOBT). 22% of first-degree relatives refused any screening in spite of their increased colorectal cancer risk.