Correlates of early diagnosis of colorectal cancer: A cross-sectional study

Objective(s): Colorectal cancer is a significant global health issue, but early diagnosis can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, using a preventive health model. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 individuals over the age of 50 who were referred to the clinics of teaching hospitals in Qom, Iran in 2022. The convenience sampling method was utilized, and data was collected using the Preventive Health Model (PHM) Scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were employed for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 57.67±10.68 years, with 48.8% being male. A majority (76.2%) of the participants had no knowledge about early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and only 11% had attended for early diagnosis. The study revealed a significant positive correlation between age (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.10), positive family history of cancer (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10), knowledge (OR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.41, 7.06), and social influence (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.77) with early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Conclusion: The findings suggest that knowledge, age, positive family history of cancer, and social influence are important factors in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The findings can be utilized to develop policies and educational programs aimed at promoting early diagnosis behaviors