[Assessment of knowledge in the field of cancer and selected health-promoting behaviors among patients with advanced colorectal cancer during chemotherapy].

Introduction: Neoplastic diseases are the second leading cause of death in developed countries. Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy and the second cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Lifestyle and related health behaviors have impact on health condition and course of treatment.

Aim: Evaluation of oncological knowledge and health behaviors of patients with colorectal cancer in relation to social and demographic factors.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 165 patients with colorectal cancer treated in the period from May 2010 to December 2014 in two centers. The mean age of patients was 61 ± 8.7 years. We rated knowledge of respondents in the field of cancer and health lifestyle with method of diagnostic survey, using the Behavioral Health Inventory by prof. Juczyński.

Results: The general level of knowledge on cancer was low, and the level of severity of health behaviors was average. It has been proven the association between the state of knowledge concerning cancer and readiness to adopt attitudes and healthy behaviors by CRC patients. The level of health practices was significantly higher in people with higher education, in women and in people with a higher knowledge of oncology. Patients had lower levels of mental attitude and eating habits than the standardized value.

Conclusions: The level of knowledge of patients with CRC, which was observed in clinical practice is associated with the severity of health behavior.