Greater awareness is the first step in the fight against Ovarian Cancer
in Jordan
Abstract
Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the awareness of the risk
factors, signs, and symptoms of Ovarian cancer, among health care
professionals. And to evaluate possible measures to enhance ovarian
cancer care in Jordan. Methods: Real time surveys were completed by 75
family medicine trainees from Jordan’s Ministry of Health, and 75 final
year medical students from Jordan University of Science and Technology.
The survey included a case scenario with three extended match questions
to cover diagnosis, initial investigations and referral to a specialised
cancer unit for further review and management. Results: Only 5 (6.7%)
family medicine trainees and 2 (2.7%) final year medical students
managed to answer the three questions correctly. 60% of family medicine
trainees and 40% of final year medical students correctly answered the
first question on cancer diagnosis, 8% of family medicine trainees and
3% of final year medical students correctly answered the second
question on the initial investigations in the primary care. 35% of
family medicine trainees and 40% of final year medical students
correctly answered the third question on the referral to cancer unit for
further management and review. Conclusion: There is an obvious need to
improve awareness of risk factors, signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer,
to implement a robust ovarian cancer reporting system, cancer networks,
and to develop a country-wide strategy to enhance ovarian cancer care in
Jordan.