Awareness of Risk Factors, Symptoms and Time to Seek Medical Help of Ovarian Cancer amongst Omani Women Attending Teaching Hospital in Muscat Governorate, Oman

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer has been regarded as most deadly gynaecological cancer in the world. In Oman,<br />ovarian cancer is the third most prevalent gynaecological cancer affecting Omani women. The awareness of risk factors,<br />symptoms and seeking early medical care play a role in the improvement of survival rates. The aim of this study is to<br />explore knowledge, risk factors, symptoms and the time taken to seek early medical help for ovarian cancer among<br />Omani women attended Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Methods: The ovarian Cancer Awareness and Measure<br />(CAM) questionnaire (translated into Arabic) was used to collect data. Results: A total of 499 women participated.<br />The most recognised risk factors were having ovarian cysts (71.3%), smoking (67.5%) and having close relative with<br />ovarian cancer (63.5%); the least recognised were having in vitro fertilization (25.5%), having children (26.3%) and<br />using talcum powder in the genital area (31.5%). The most recognised symptoms were persistent pain in the pelvis<br />(67.7%), persistent pain in the abdomen (60.3%) and extreme fatigue (56.5%); the least recognised were feeling full<br />persistently (22.8%), passing more urine than usual (31.1%) and changes in bowel habits (32.1%). Multinomial logistic<br />regression showed recognition of risk factors and symptoms were associated with a higher level of education, a higher<br />income, increased age, higher number of pregnancies, a longer duration of marriage and having a family history of<br />ovarian cancer. Most of the barriers to seeking medical help were for several emotional, practical and healthcare service<br />reasons. Conclusion: The overall level of recognition of risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer among Omani<br />women were low with several emotional, practical and service barriers preventing them from seeking early medical<br />help. More measures to raise national cancer awareness levels are needed, and support for women to overcome these<br />barriers to minimized delays in the presentation.