OBJECTIVES: To determine levels of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and to identify barriers to help-seeking and predictors of a longer time to help-seeking in a UK female population-based sample. METHODS: A UK population-based sample of women [n=1000, including a subsample of women at higher risk due to their age (≥45 years, n=510)] completed the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Measure by telephone interview. Questions measured symptom awareness (using recall and recognition), barriers to medical help-seeking and anticipated time to help-seeking. Regression analyses identified predictors of a higher score on a scale of anticipated time to help-seeking. RESULTS: Most women (58% overall sample; 54% subgroup) were unable to recall any symptoms but 99% recognised at least one. Recognition was lowest for difficulty eating and persistently feeling full. In the sample overall, higher socio-economic status and higher endorsement of practical and service barriers independently predicted a longer anticipated time to help-seeking for more symptoms. White ethnicity was an additional predictor in the older subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms is low in the UK, and varies widely between symptoms. It identifies variables that may be involved in a longer time to help-seeking for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and highlights the need for more in-depth research into the factors related to time to help-seeking in real-world situations.
OBJECTIVES: To determine levels of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and to identify barriers to help-seeking and predictors of a longer time to help-seeking in a UK female population-based sample. METHODS: A UK population-based sample of women [n=1000, including a subsample of women at higher risk due to their age (≥45 years, n=510)] completed the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Measure by telephone interview. Questions measured symptom awareness (using recall and recognition), barriers to medical help-seeking and anticipated time to help-seeking. Regression analyses identified predictors of a higher score on a scale of anticipated time to help-seeking. RESULTS: Most women (58% overall sample; 54% subgroup) were unable to recall any symptoms but 99% recognised at least one. Recognition was lowest for difficulty eating and persistently feeling full. In the sample overall, higher socio-economic status and higher endorsement of practical and service barriers independently predicted a longer anticipated time to help-seeking for more symptoms. White ethnicity was an additional predictor in the older subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms is low in the UK, and varies widely between symptoms. It identifies variables that may be involved in a longer time to help-seeking for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and highlights the need for more in-depth research into the factors related to time to help-seeking in real-world situations.
Authors: Chioma O Erondu; Anthony J Alberg; Elisa V Bandera; Jill Barnholtz-Sloan; Melissa Bondy; Michele L Cote; Ellen Funkhouser; Edward Peters; Ann G Schwartz; Paul D Terry; Kristin Wallace; Lucy Akushevich; Frances Wang; Sydnee Crankshaw; Andrew Berchuck; Joellen M Schildkraut; Patricia G Moorman Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2016-02-17 Impact factor: 2.681
Authors: Olufikayo O Bamidele; Trish Green; Sara Tookey; Julie Walabyeki; Una Macleod Journal: Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) Date: 2022-03-15 Impact factor: 2.328
Authors: Kate E Brain; Stephanie Smits; Alice E Simon; Lindsay J Forbes; Chris Roberts; Iain J Robbé; John Steward; Ceri White; Richard D Neal; Jane Hanson Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2014-03-10 Impact factor: 4.430