Alcohol consumption, smoking and colorectal cancer awareness in people at familial risk

© Health and Addictions 2019 Introduction. Alcohol consumption and smoking are associated with development of chronic diseases such as cancer, including colorectal cancer. Aim. To describe the alcohol consumption, smoking and awareness of colorectal cancer in people at familial risk. Methodology. Descriptive and correlational study in two hospitals in Mexico; Alcohol use disorders identification test AUDIT, Fagerström test for nicotine dependence and Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire were used. Results. 146 participants, 18 to 50 years old (X = 36.92), 58.2% were female; 52.9% of female showed hazardous alcohol use and 77% of male harmful alcohol use. 100% female reported not smoking and 22.9% of male showed tobacco dependence. Blood in the stool is the best known sign for colorectal cancer (62.3%); 28.7% of people recognized alcohol consumption as a risk factor and 15.1% said they felt confident in knowing signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer in case of presenting them; no significant association was found among variables. Conclusion. The majority of people are high alcohol drinkers and a quarter of men are smoking dependent; little is known about risk factors, signs, symptoms and early detection.