Other
https://doi.org/10.20471/LO.2025.53.02-03.18
Psychosocial and organic alarm as a method for early differentiation of colorectal cancer symptoms from functional disorders: preliminary results
Barbara Ebling
; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Dragan Jurčić
; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek; Department of Gastroenterology, Sveti Duh University Hospital, Zagreb; Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Antonio Juretić
orcid.org/0000-0002-6379-9708
; Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Ina Stašević
orcid.org/0000-0002-7868-8365
; Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Luka Jurčić
; Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Gmajnić
; Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a major burden in primary health care. Clinicians recognize organic alarm symptoms, but often overlook psychosocial alarm factors in daily practice.
Objective: To present preliminary results on the importance of psychosocial alarm in patients with FGIDs and to emphasize its importance in primary care for early identification of vulnerable patients in terms of differentiating functional disorders in relation to early detection of colorectal cancer in primary health care.
Methods: This study is based on longitudinal clinical and epidemiological data collected in primary health care settings. Psychosocial distress was assessed using structured clinical interviews and standardized questionnaires addressing stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, social vulnerability, and health related quality of life. It is important to distinguish functional disorders from early symptoms of colorectal cancer in a timely manner. The questionnaire for alarm is a tool for early warning, used in conjunction with occult blood testing (Hemoccult/Hemognost), and is one of the initial methods for early detection of colorectal cancer.
Results: Patients with FGIDs often showed pronounced characteristics of psychosocial distress, including increased psychological distress, impaired coping mechanisms, and increased health care utilization. Psychosocial distress factors often preceded or followed gastrointestinal symptoms and significantly influenced symptom severity, chronicity, and patients’ perception of their illness. Primary care physicians are responsible for promptly distinguishing functional disorders from early symptoms of colorectal cancer.
Psychosocial alarm is a key part of assessing FGIDs and should be standard in primary care. Early recognition allows timely psychosocial intervention and may prevent unnecessary tests and chronic disease progression. Our main goal is to separate functional disorders from early colorectal cancer signs.
Keywords
psychosocial alarm; functional gastrointestinal disorders; colorectal cancer; primary health care
Hrčak ID:
344608
URI
Publication date:
17.2.2026.
Visits: 308 *