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INOVACIJE I IZAZOVI U OBRAZOVANJU I SESTRINSKOJ SKRBI - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA



               Students' Knowledge and Opinion about the Preventive

               Program for Early Detection of Colon Cancer


               Colon cancer is the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer and the second most common
               type of cancer in Croatia. The cause of colon cancer is unknown, but many studies confirm that
               the disease is most likely the result of the interaction of hereditary factors and environmental
               influences.  Detecting  colon  cancer  in  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  can  save  many  lives.
               Therefore, it is important to attend preventive examinations regularly.
               The National Colon Cancer Early Detection Program has been implemented in the Republic of
               Croatia since 2008. Every two years, all women and men between the ages of 50 and 74 are
               invited to take a test for occult bleeding (invisible blood) in the stool. People with a positive
               result are referred for a screening colonoscopy. The introduction of a new national test was
               announced, which should increase the hitherto unsatisfactory response to screening for this
               deadly disease.
               The aim of the research was  to  examine the knowledge and opinion of students  about  the
               National Colon Cancer Early Detection Program, and thus encourage them to make suggestions
               for improving this preventive program. 200 students of the Vinogradska Nursing School from
               3rd to 5th grade participated in the research. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which
               was created by a 5th grade student in Microsoft Forms with the help of a mentor, for the purpose
               of creating her final paper.
               The results of the research show that 46 % of students have encountered a patient suffering
               from some inflammatory colon disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) or colon cancer. 45
               % of students know what a test for occult bleeding is, and 22 % of them answered that someone
               from  their  environment  received  a  test  for  occult  bleeding. About  25  %  of  the  population
               responded to the national program, 55 % of the students answered correctly, and 75 % of the
               students answered that they would respond if the test was sent to them.
               Some of the most common responses to improve the prevention program were: broadcasting
               shows on the topic of colon cancer, various leaflets and posters, involving health centers and
               schools  in  the  promotion  of  the  program,  organizing  workshops  and  encouraging  medical
               professionals to educate their patients.
               Students recognize the importance of responding to the National Colon Cancer Early Detection
               Program and should be encouraged to actively participate in the promotion of this program.


               Key words: colon cancer, prevention program, nursing school students


























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