Page 131 - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

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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