Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy (Nov 2020)
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Around Breast Cancer and Mammography Screening Among Jordanian Women
Abstract
Dana S Al-Mousa,1 Maram Alakhras,1 Syeda Z Hossain,2 Amani G Al-Sa’di,3 Marwa Al Hasan,1 Yazan Al-Hayek,4,5 Patrick C Brennan2 1Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan; 2Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; 3Technical Coordination and Consumer Education Section of the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration, Irbid 22110, Jordan; 4Medical Radiation Science, School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia; 5Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, JordanCorrespondence: Dana S Al-Mousa Department of Allied Medical SciencesFaculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, JordanTel +9622720100 Ext 26947Fax +96227095070Email [email protected]: Breast cancer is the most common occurring cancer in women worldwide. To guide current breast cancer screening program, the level of knowledge about breast cancer should be evaluated. This study aims to ascertain the level of breast cancer knowledge including risk factors, signs and symptoms, and early detection methods, especially mammography screening.Methods: The study was conducted among 1353 Jordanian women from the public using a self-administered questionnaire. Responses to the knowledge test were summed for an overall knowledge score. Comparisons between socio-demographics and knowledge, attitude and practice were also measured using a Chi-square test.Results: About 76% of participants were aware that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Jordan. About 53.7% of our participants were rated as having an intermediate level of knowledge regarding risk factors, and 44% were rated as having a good to an excellent level of knowledge about breast cancer signs and symptoms. The participants’ level of education was the main factor identified as influencing the participants’ knowledge of the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and knowledge of early detection methods of breast cancer. The study sample was rated as having an intermediate level of knowledge regarding mammography screening; however, their participation in this screening method was low.Conclusion: Although Jordanian women had an acceptable level of knowledge of breast cancer, the screening rates for mammography were low. These findings suggest that there is a need to provide extra awareness programs for Jordanian women to improve their breast cancer knowledge and practice.Keywords: breast cancer, knowledge, breast cancer screening, population health, mammography, Jordan
