Awareness About Breast Cancer Among Adult Women in Jordan

The incidence of breast cancer among females is increasing and early detection greatly improves patient prognosis and reduces mortality rates. This study aims at evaluating the awareness of these screening measures among adult females in Jordan. A questionnaire was administered to 400 adult women October to December 2018. The majority of women (64.5%) were within the age range 18 to 40 years. Almost all women had ever heard about breast cancer (99.50%) and 86.51% wanted to know more about it. Family history was the most frequently perceived risk factor for breast cancer (45.75%), with lack of awareness regarding other factors. Most participants were aware about breast self-examination (90.50%), but only half of them practiced it (52.75%). Regarding clinical breast examination, 76.0% of the participants have heard about it and a similar proportion recognized it as a method for early detection of breast cancer. However, only 26.33% were aware of the correct frequency of this examination. Screening mammography was acknowledged by 73.75% of participants but was performed by only 14.50%. Most of participants (70%) got their information about breast cancer from media, while only 8.34% got their information from the health centers. Awareness about breast cancer month in Jordan was significantly less among women with less than a university education, married women, and housewives (p < .043, <.007, and <.019, respectively). In conclusion, suboptimal awareness of breast cancer and its screening methods was found among the Jordanian women, despite an over 11-year-old national screening program. This should prompt more innovative strategies to disseminate more effective awareness across the country.