Determination of risk factors associated with colorectal cancer and compliance with fecal occult blood testing among patients aged 50 years and over in primary health care [Bi·ri·nci· basamakta 50 yaş ve üzeri· bi·reylerde kolorektal kanser i·le i·li·şki·li· olabi·lecek bazi faktörleri·n ve gai·tada gi·zli· kan tetki·ki·ne uyumun degerlendi·ri·lmesi·]

Introduction: Our aim was to determine some risk factors for colorectal cancer, evaluate the knowledge about colorectal cancer among patients aged 50 years and over and their compliance with fecal occult blood test. Materials and Method: The study was conducted among 103 patients aged 50 years and over. Data were collected by a questionnaire form including 31 questions. Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test was used. Results: The mean age of participants was 58.5±7.3; 25.2% were males and 74.8% were females; 79.6% were married; 49.5% were graduates of primary school. Of the participants, 82.5% stated that none of their relatives were diagnosed with an intestinal disease. The mean colorectal cancer knowledge score was 7.3 ± 1.9. Six males and 13 females were diagnosed with anemia. 96.0% (71 patients) of the patients who brought their fecal specimen at least once, and 68.9% of the participants of the study completed the questionnaire form and brought fecal specimens on 3 consecutive days. Only one participant was positive for fecal occult blood test. Conclusion: Patients admitting to health centers should be informed on colorectal cancer, its risk factors and screening tests for early diagnosis. Compliance to fecal occult blood testing is relatively high in patients aged 50 and over, and it may be useful in primary care centers.