Nurses’ knowledge on early diagnosis and screening of colorectal cancer: a comparative qualitative study of the cases of Türkiye and Serbia

This study aimed to compare nurses’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) early diagnosis and screening in Türkiye and Serbia. A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 nurses working in primary healthcare services in Türkiye and Serbia. Participants were selected using purposive criterion sampling. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved and were audio-recorded with participants’ consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method. The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Six themes emerged from the comparative analysis: (1) colorectal cancer early symptoms and awareness, (2) nurses’ roles in colorectal cancer screening and patient education, (3) education, guidance, and the screening process, (4) risk stratification in colorectal cancer, (5) nurses’ educational experiences, knowledge competence, and development needs, and (6) challenges and limitations in the colorectal cancer screening process. Nurses in both countries demonstrated awareness of common colorectal cancer symptoms and recognized nurses’ roles in patient education, screening guidance, and follow-up. Turkish nurses more frequently emphasized lifestyle-related risk factors and patient education, whereas Serbian nurses placed greater emphasis on family history, age-based screening, and identifying eligible individuals. Nurses in both countries reported a need for continuous education and identified workload, staffing limitations, time constraints, and difficulties reaching the target population as important barriers. Serbian nurses additionally emphasized referral delays and difficulties reaching working-age populations, while Turkish nurses highlighted fear and avoidance of screening among patients. Although nurses in Türkiye and Serbia demonstrated similarities in their awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms and the importance of screening, differences were identified in risk assessment, educational practices, and perceived barriers. Strengthening continuous, structured, and practice-based education for nurses, improving organizational support, and enhancing nurses’ active involvement in patient education and screening pathways may contribute to more effective colorectal cancer early detection and prevention strategies. Continuous and practice-based education can strengthen nurses’ knowledge and competencies in colorectal cancer risk assessment, patient education, and screening. Organizational support, adequate staffing, and effective referral and follow-up systems are also needed to enable nurses to participate more effectively in colorectal cancer screening and early detection.