Public awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms and risk factors, and exploring screening barriers across nine countries

A multi-national cross-sectional study

Bibliographic Data

ID19594798
AuthorsAseel Ghanayem (University of Jordan), Mandy Elewa (0000-0001-9750-4413, Türkisch-Deutsche Universität), Husam Abu Dawood (0009-0005-3109-2600, Palestine Polytechnic University, corresponding author), Tarek A Owais (0000-0002-6903-3228, Beni-Suef University), Rawan Ghanayem (University of Jordan), Hanan Khaled Almokdad (Syrian Private University), Nael Kamel Eltewacy (0000-0003-0670-4386, École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay), EARG Collaborators (University of Jordan)
EditorsJulia Robinson (0000-0003-0719-3995)
Year2026
Volume6
Issue3
Pagese0005986
Publication date2026-03-12
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0005986
PMID41818210
OpenAlexW7135049709
LanguageEN
References cited32

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the third most common type of cancer overall. Colorectal cancer can be avoided with regular screening and lifestyle modifications. This study aimed to identify the barriers to screening for colorectal cancer and to evaluate the public’s awareness and knowledge of the disease’s symptoms and risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted across nine countries from February 1, 2024, through April 3, 2024, targeting individuals aged 18 years and older. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire in collaboration with national leaders and local team members in each country. Logistic regression analyses were employed to examine factors associated with participants’ knowledge, awareness, and screening barriers. Among the 13,030 participants, awareness of CRC symptoms was highest for “lump in the abdomen” (70%) and lowest for “back pain” (39%). The most recognized risk factor was “history of bowel disease” (71%), whereas the least recognized was “low fruit/vegetable intake” (33%). The primary barrier to screening was the belief in low personal risk due to the absence of symptoms (63%). Multivariate logistic regression identified working in the healthcare sector as the strongest predictor of high knowledge (aOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 2.50–2.94) relative to non-healthcare participants. Higher knowledge was also significantly associated with male sex, older age (25–49 years), and university-level education (all p

Cancer · Colorectal cancer · Colorectal cancer screening · Health care · Logistic regression · MEDLINE · Multivariate analysis · Public health · Risk factor · Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Health Promotion and Cardiovascular Prevention

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