Colorectal Cancer Risk Associated with Reproductive Factors among Turkish Women

Purpose: Our aim was to investigate the association between the female reproductive factors and colorectal cancer risk (CRC). Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 196 women (50 years old and older) at Ankara Kecioren Training and Research Hospital (AKEAH), Maternity Polyclinic during June 16-July 30 2014 in Turkey. A Survey Form was used in data collection. Results: Mean age of women who were included in the research scope was 57.2 ± 7.9. It was determined that 85.7% of women were not informed about CRC screening methods and 86.2% did not have CRC screening test. 83.6% of women were at low risk group for CRC, and approximately two out of five persons (16.4%) were in moderate risk group. We observed that presence of gynecological cancer; bowel disease, chronic disease and family history of bowel disease were associated with CRC risk (p 0.05). Conclusion: This study supports the assumption that there might be an association between reproductive factors and risk of CRC. Wider screening of risk factors should be explored in further.