“Just Hemorrhoids, Not Cancerâ€: Perceptions of Colorectal Cancer Among Thai Colorectal Cancer Patients

Niphattra Haritavorn and Chanika Nimsun

Clinical Nursing Research, 2022, vol. 31, issue 6, 1091-1099

Abstract: Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of mortality among Thais. Understanding patients’ perceptions of colorectal cancer can help in the design of educational programs to enhance awareness of colorectal cancer among Thais. This study aims to elucidate illness explanatory models of colorectal cancer and their perceptions of colorectal cancer through the explanatory model. In-depth interviews with 30 patients about their perceptions and experiences of colorectal cancer were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings show that the patients were unaware of colorectal cancer, had misconceptions regarding colorectal cancer detection and screening; they considered the symptoms to be the result of hemorrhoids, karma, and heredity. Their explanatory model underlies the body of knowledge grounded in the lay explanation which results in perception, beliefs, relative experiences, and approaches to illness management. There is a need for further information about colorectal cancer symptoms to assist symptom recognition through cancer education and screening programs.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; illness; explanatory model; Thailand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:clnure:v:31:y:2022:i:6:p:1091-1099

DOI: 10.1177/10547738221085609

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