Public Awareness of Warning Signs and Symptoms of Cancer in Oman: A Community-Based Survey of Adults

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The majority of deaths from cancer occur in low and middle income countries, partly due topoor public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A community based surveyusing the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) questionnaire was conducted in three different communities inOman. Omani adults aged 18 years and above were invited to participate in the study. <br/><b>Results</b>: A total of 345responded from 450 invited participants (response rate=76.7%). The majority of respondents were unable toidentify the common signs and symptoms of cancer identified in the CAM (average awareness was 40.6%). Themost emotional barrier to seeking help was worry about what the doctor might find (223, 64.6%); a practicalbarrier was too busy to make an appointment (259, 75.1%) and a service barrier was difficulty talking to thedoctor (159, 46.1%). The majority of respondents (more than 60% for seven out of ten symptoms) would seekmedical help in two weeks for most signs or symptoms of cancer. Females were significantly more likely thanmales to be embarrassed (p<0.001), scared (p=0.001), and lack confidence talking about their symptoms (p=0.022).<br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Urgent strategies are needed to improve public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer inOman. This might leads to earlier diagnosis, improved prognosis and reduced mortality from cancer.