Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: According to the Saudi Cancer Incidence Report 2020, colon cancer ranks number one in terms of incidence in the country. To assess awareness about its prevention, we aimed to assess the level of awareness and screening practices. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the three governorates of Aljouf region, Sakaka, Tabarjal, and Qurayyat, one mall and one souq (bazaar) were randomly selected in each of these to cover all different social groups. We surveyed 422 participants using a structured questionnaire to gather information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, general knowledge about colon cancer and its signs and symptoms, and risk factors of colon cancer. RESULTS: While 71% of participants believed that early screening lowers the risk of colon cancer, more than half of respondents (52.8%) demonstrated inadequate knowledge about the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: The knowledge regarding colorectal cancer needs to be raised in the general population.