Sallam Saki1, Noor Radhi Ali2, Safa Sofi Saki3, Zainab Sadeq AlRabeea4, Fatima Najim AlRemeithi5, Frederick Robert Carrick6, Mahera Abdulrahman7. 1. Department of Public Health, Dubai Medical College, Dubai. Sallamsaki313@gmail.com. 2. Department of Public Health, Dubai Medical College, Dubai. noor.radhi98@gmail.com. 3. Department of Public Health, Dubai Medical College, Dubai. sofi.ssaki@gmail.com. 4. Department of Public Health, Dubai Medical College, Dubai. Zainab.sadiqbh@gmail.com. 5. Department of Public Health, Dubai Medical College, Dubai. fnalremeithi@gmail.com. 6. Bedfordshire Centre for Mental Health Research in association with University of Cambridge. drfrcarrick@post.harvard.edu. 7. Department of Public Health, Dubai Medical College, Dubai. marad@dha.gov.ae.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that public awareness of ovarian cancer is weak, and women are often diagnosed at late stages when treatment is difficult. DESIGN AND METHODS: To determine the barriers for seeking early medical care and level of knowledge and awareness among women regarding ovarian cancer. A structured questionnaire was designed and adapted from the validated cancer awareness measure. RESULTS: The recognition level of ovarian cancer symptoms among women in this study varied from 12-51%, and the most alarming ones, back pain, eating difficulties, and persistent abdominal pain, were missed by most of the surveyed women. The most recognized ovarian cancer risk factors were never being pregnant, having a history of infertility, and going through menopause, while the least recognized was having personal or family history of breast cancer. Non-UAE nationals' women with higher educational levels had better knowledge of ovarian cancer compared to their peers. CONCLUSIONS: A change or implementation model is highly recommended in order to improve women's awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms. Strengthening education among women with regards to risk factors, early symptoms, and the need to seek early medical help should help to increase ovarian cancer awareness and reduce a delay in the diagnosis.
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that public awareness of ovarian cancer is weak, and women are often diagnosed at late stages when treatment is difficult. DESIGN AND METHODS: To determine the barriers for seeking early medical care and level of knowledge and awareness among women regarding ovarian cancer. A structured questionnaire was designed and adapted from the validated cancer awareness measure. RESULTS: The recognition level of ovarian cancer symptoms among women in this study varied from 12-51%, and the most alarming ones, back pain, eating difficulties, and persistent abdominal pain, were missed by most of the surveyed women. The most recognized ovarian cancer risk factors were never being pregnant, having a history of infertility, and going through menopause, while the least recognized was having personal or family history of breast cancer. Non-UAE nationals' women with higher educational levels had better knowledge of ovarian cancer compared to their peers. CONCLUSIONS: A change or implementation model is highly recommended in order to improve women's awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms. Strengthening education among women with regards to risk factors, early symptoms, and the need to seek early medical help should help to increase ovarian cancer awareness and reduce a delay in the diagnosis.