Barriers to healthcare seeking, beliefs about ovarian cancer and the role of socio-economic position. A cross-sectional multilevel study in Dubai, a multicultural society.

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. This study aimed to determine the barriers for seeking early medical care and level of knowledge and awareness among women regarding ovarian cancer.Design and methods: 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. Significance for public health In the absence of effective screening, "appropriate clinical suspicion" of the signs and symptoms of the ovarian cancer is currently the best strategy to detect the disease. To reduce the diagnostic interval, several countries have implemented referral guidelines and organizational changes. Most of these guidelines suggest that individuals presenting with symptoms indicative of cancer (alarm symptoms) should be urgently referred to specialized investigative trajectories. However, many studies worldwide have shown that public awareness levels of ovarian cancer are poor, therefore women are often diagnosed at late stages when treatment is difficult. Our findings demonstrate that the overall level of recognition of risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer among women in the UAE is indeed low and within a critical level. Thus, strengthening education among women with regards to risk factors, early symptoms, and the need to seek early medical will be helpful in increasing ovarian cancer awareness and reducing the delay in diagnosis.