Colorectal cancer and screening awareness and sources of information in the Hungarian population

BACKGROUND: This study aims to survey the level of awareness of colorectal cancer and screening and to identify sources of information among the population under investigation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1150 adults between the ages of 40 and 70 using quota sampling. Data were collected through self-made questionnaires to be completed by respondents. RESULTS: 32.7% of the participants correctly identified the recommended beginning of colorectal cancer screening, these participants were more likely to see their physician more frequently in the past years than those answering to the qusetion incorrectly (p = 0.008). 22.4% of the respondents were in possession of appropriate information on the frequency of colorectal cancer screening and had a relatively high level of educational attainment (p < 0.001). Very few respondents were well-informed about the risk factors and symptoms of colorectal cancer. Those who were well-informed were likely to live in a county town (p < 0.001) and to have a relatively high level of educational attainment (p < 0.001). They were most likely to have accessed their information on the internet. 27.0% of respondents had not heard of CRC screening methods before. They were likely to be male and relatively young and to have a relatively low level of educational attainment. Furthermore, they saw their doctor relatively seldom. The respondents who had heard about screening methods were most likely to have gathered their information from health workers. Conclusions: The majority of respondents did not have sufficient information about colorectal cancer and screening. This is particularly true of less educated, younger male participants who do not live in a county town and of respondents who see their physician relatively seldom. Sources of information should be used more effectively, thus yielding an increased level of awareness. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12875-018-0799-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.