Colorectal Cancer Screening In High-risk Populations:a Survey Of Cognition Among Medical Professionals In Jiangsu, China

Objective:The incidence and fatality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) can be decreased effectively by reasonable screening method. This study aims to understand medical personnel aimed at high-risk groups, the possibility of screening for CRC screening guidelines provide a reasonable opinion, their knowledge of the CRC screening guidelines.Method:Between February2012and August2012, an anonymous survey was administered to random gastroenterologists, oncologists, general surgeons, general practitioners in Jiangsu province, a developed area where CRC incidence is higher than the developing area. The questionnaire and data analysis were performed in2012.Results:The average knowledge score was26.44%among the924respondents. Gastroenterologists and Oncologists averaged higher scores compared to the others (p<0.01and p<0.01, respectively); the doctors in the large hospitals or the hospitals with colonoscopy averaged higher scores than those in the others (p<0.001and p<0.01, respectively); the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) with or without Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or the Bachelor of Medicine Science (BMS) holders averaged higher scores than the other lower degree holders (P<0.05). More importantly, the doctors who finished the CRC related education in the past year averaged higher scores than the others (p<0.001).26%of doctors correctly identified endoscopic treatment of CRC indications while only5%of doctors correctly identified the screening initiation age and interval for a patient with a family history of CRC. But20%doctors identified the screening initiation point and interval after the treatment of colon polyps.The most commonly cited barriers to referring high-risk patients for CRC screening were "the anxiety from colonoscopy without anesthesia","lack of awareness to the current guide" and "lack of insurance reimbursement."Conclusion:There is a lack of knowledge among doctors of the screening guidelines for high-risk populations for CRC, based on family history and symptoms. Educational programs may improve the doctors’knowledge and reduce barriers to CRC screening.