Abstract Detail

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a serious and growing threat worldwide. The WHO’s Globocan 2020 reported colorectal cancer (CRC) as the third most common cancer in men and second in women worldwide, with approximately 1.93 million new cases and 935,000 deaths in 2020. Recent trends show an alarming rise in colorectal cancer incidence among younger populations, particularly in high-income countries due to lifestyle factors. In Malaysia, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer, with higher incidence rates in males and the Chinese population. The study underscores the urgent need for awareness and early detection strategies. This descriptive cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. A total of 125 administrative staff voluntarily provided consent and completed the questionnaire. The study revealed majority of participants had low level of knowledge of colorectal cancer warning signs 78.4% (n=98) and preventive practices 84.8% (n=106). However, most participants had a moderate level of knowledge for risk factors. Most participants reported that lack of knowledge regarding colorectal cancer disease and fear of finding bowel cancer were the major barriers to screening. A significant association was observed between awareness of immunochemical fecal occult blood test and preventive practice and knowledge of warning signs. This study identifies significant gaps in colorectal cancer awareness and barriers to preventive practices among administrative staff. Targeted workplace-based educational interventions are essential to bridge these gaps and promote early detection through regular screening. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in improving knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors.

Biography

Yash Prasad is a fourth-year nursing student at Universiti Malaya and the former president of the Nursing Society UM. He has a strong interest in nursing research, particularly in the early diagnosis of cancer. As part of his undergraduate studies, he has conducted research on colorectal cancer awareness, risk factors, and screening barriers among non-medical professionals, gaining valuable insights into challenges in preventive healthcare and the importance of early detection. While continuing to build his clinical experience, Yash remains dedicated to healthcare initiatives that promote awareness and encourage screening participation. He aims to apply his knowledge to patient educationand future nursingpractice, advocating for proactive healthcare engagement.