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

Objective: Rectal bleeding is one of the most important symptoms of colorectal cancer that fast-tracks the patient’s consultation 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 questionnaire 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.