One misfortune is better than thousands of pieces of advice: The warning role of rectal bleeding

Abstract

Yagmur Sitem Akbulut, Caner Yesiloglu, Sebnem Busra Altinkalem, Orhun Akdogan, S. Coskun Yazgan, Derya Gokmen, Ismail Calikoglu, Muzaffer Akkoca, Serhat Tokgoz, Mehmet Ayhan Kuzu

Objective: Rectal bleeding is one of the most important symptoms of colorectal cancer that fast-tracks the patient’s con-sultation with a physician. This study aims to assess the warning role of rectal bleeding in a risk group for colorectal cancer. Besides, the relationship among awareness, various socio-demographic criteria and the reasons for visiting or not visiting the physician was evaluated among greater than or equal to 40 years old. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted thousand one hundred and sixteen (1116) individuals greater than or equal to 40 years old. Awareness of rectal bleeding as a warning sign in participating individuals was assessed by a ques-tionnaire in addition to their family history of cancer or polyps and reasons for visiting or not visiting a physician. Results: A prior history of rectal bleeding was found in 51.9% of subjects. Among those with rectal bleeding history, the rate of visiting a physician due to this bleeding was 49.7%. No statistically significant relationship was found between the frequency of those who contacted their physician and gender, education or age. The frequency of visiting a physician was significantly higher among individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer as compared with no family history and was directly proportional to the degree of family relationship (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Even rectal bleeding does not raise enough attention for visiting a physician. Therefore, public education and screening still have paramount importance in the prevention of colorectal cancer.