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Abstract
Introduction. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing health challenge in Senegal, where it ranks sixth among all cancers. Late diagnosis is often linked to poor awareness of warning signs and the influence of popular beliefs. This study aimed to assess knowledge, myths, and misconceptions associated with CRC within the Senegalese population. Materials and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024 using an online questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp. Adults residing in Senegal, excluding healthcare professionals, were included. Sociodemographic data, recognition of warning signs and risk factors, and adherence to myths were collected. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results. Among 130 participants (mean age 32.4 years; 55.4% male; 93.8% with higher education), the best-identified warning signs were weight loss (80.0%) and rectal bleeding (78.5%). However, 37.7% were unaware of the sensation of incomplete bowel movement. While smoking was recognized as a risk factor by 69.2%, only 30.8% identified red meat consumption as such, and 42.3% did not perceive a link with age. A persistent myth was the erroneous association between microwave oven use and CRC (28.4% agreed or strongly agreed). Conclusion. Even in an educated population, critical knowledge gaps and misconceptions about CRC risk factors persist. These findings call for targeted awareness campaigns to debunk myths and promote early diagnosis.
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References
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References
1. Cancer Today [Internet]. [cited 2025 Dec 31]. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/today/
2. Irabor DO. Emergence of Colorectal Cancer in West Africa: Accepting the Inevitable. Niger Med J J Niger Med Assoc. 2017;58(3):87–91.
3. Arhin N, Ssentongo P, Taylor M, Olecki EJ, Pameijer C, Shen C, et al. Age-standardised incidence rate and epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2022 Jan 1 [cited 2026 Jan 2]; Available from: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/1/e052376
4. gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/686-senegal-fact-sheet.pdf [Internet]. [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Available from: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/686-senegal-fact-sheet.pdf
5. Christelle DYK, Alice NA, Grace M, Linda SN, Briac OJG, Angèle KO, et al. Anatomopathologic study of colon cancer in Yaoundé Hospitals. Health Sci Dis [Internet]. 2022 Aug 29 [cited 2026 Jan 5];23(9). Available from: https://hsd-fmsb.org/index.php/hsd/article/view/3864
6. Diop M. The state of medical oncology in Senegal [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Available from: http://ecancer.org/en/journal/article/941-the-state-of-medical-oncology-in-senegal
7. Rochikashvili M, Nair KS, Vithanalage DCPM, Surve NZ, Chkhikvadze L, Janikashvili N. Public awareness and knowledge of colorectal cancer and screening: insights from a study based in Georgia, Caucasus region. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2025 Mar 28;12(4):1638–42.
8. Power E, Simon A, Juszczyk D, Hiom S, Wardle J. Assessing awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms: Measure development and results from a population survey in the UK. BMC Cancer. 2011 Aug 23;11:366.
9. Nguyen CK, Phan HM, Lee CH, Do LAT. Assessing Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Symptoms among Outpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Hospital in Vietnam. Healthcare. 2023 Nov 29;11(23):3063.
10. Crosland A, Jones R. Rectal bleeding: prevalence and consultation behaviour. 1995 Aug 19 [cited 2026 Jan 2]; Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/311/7003/486.short
11. Demb J, Kolb JM, Dounel J, Fritz CDL, Advani SM, Cao Y, et al. Red Flag Signs and Symptoms for Patients With Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 May 24;7(5):e2413157.
12. Pedersen AF, Hansen RP, Vedsted P. Patient Delay in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Associations with Rectal Bleeding and Thoughts about Cancer. PLOS ONE. 2013 July 22;8(7):e69700.
13. Alatise OI, Fischer SE, Ayandipo OO, Omisore AG, Olatoke SA, Kingham TP. Health-Seeking Behavior and Barriers to Care in Patients With Rectal Bleeding in Nigeria. J Glob Oncol. 2017 Dec;3(6):749–56.
14. Kelly L. Consumer Health: Cancer myths vs. facts [Internet]. Mayo Clinic News Network. 2022 [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Available from: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/consumer-health-cancer-myths-vs-facts/
15. NSW CC. Do microwave ovens cause cancer, and other common myths about cancer [Internet]. Cancer Council NSW. 2020 [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/news/do-microwave-ovens-cause-cancer-and-other-common-myths-about-cancer/
16. moffitt [Internet]. [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Does the Use of Plastic Containers in the Microwave Cause Cancer? Available from: https://www.moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/does-the-use-of-plastic-containers-in-the-microwave-cause-cancer/
17. Johnson SB, Parsons M, Dorff T, Moran MS, Ward JH, Cohen SA, et al. Cancer Misinformation and Harmful Information on Facebook and Other Social Media: A Brief Report. JNCI J Natl Cancer Inst. 2022 July 1;114(7):1036–9.
18. Lofano K, Principi M, Scavo MP, Pricci M, Ierardi E, Di Leo A. Dietary Lifestyle and Colorectal Cancer Onset, Recurrence, and Survival: Myth or Reality? J Gastrointest Cancer. 2013 Mar 1;44(1):1–11.