Colorectal Cancer Detection during a Screening Awareness Campaign in a High-Risk Region in Oman

Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in Oman. This study report the result of a community based screening campaign to promote the early detection and explore the associated risk factors of CRC amongst Omani population. We launched a colorectal cancer awareness campaign in Oman's South Ash Sharqiyah Governorate between January and March, 2023. We conducted a stratified random study including 688 adult Omani participants aged over 40 years old. Local Health Centers collected the questionnaire forms. Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) were carried out at Local Health Centers; while medical professionals performed the colonoscopy examination in Sur University Hospital. Overall, the screening response rate was 68.8%. The data indicated that 8.1% of the total sample yielded positive FOBTs; of whom, 85.7% were aged 40-59 years old and 67.9% were obese or overweight. Abnormal colonoscopy was reported in 7 participants. One participant had a confirmed CRC of stage I. Screening and early detection campaign can have effect and increase the rate of early detection among population in Oman.