Authors:
Ibrahim Alsharaydeh1 , Othman Beni
Yonis2 , Ahmad
Abdulla3 , Nail
Obeidat4
1 Assistant professor, consultant of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Jordan
University of Science& Technology
2 Assistant professor, consultant of Family medicine, Jordan University
of Science& Technology
3 Speciality trainee, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, King Abdullah
University Hospital
4 Professor, consultant & Dean of faculty of medicine, Jordan
University of Science & Technology
Abstract :
Objective : This study was undertaken to assess the awareness of
the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of Ovarian cancer, among health
care professionals. And to evaluate possible measures to enhance ovarian
cancer care in Jordan.
Introduction : Ovarian cancer is the sixth most frequently
diagnosed cancer in women.[10] It is the most common cause of death
from gynaecological malignancy with a lifetime risk of 1:50.
Unfortunately, as there is no effective screening program;70% of women
are diagnosed with an advanced stage, with a 5-year survival of only
40%. [1,3] Based on an estimated population of approximately 10
million; it is expected to have around a 1000 ovarian cancer cases
diagnosed per year in Jordan. However, in 2015 there were 86 ovarian
cancer cases have been registered, with an average of less than 90 cases
annually over the previous years according to the Ministry of Health
cancer registry.[2]
Methods : Real time surveys were completed by 75 family medicine
trainees from Jordan’s Ministry of Health, and 75 final year medical
students from Jordan University of Science and Technology. The survey
included a case scenario with three extended match questions to cover
diagnosis, initial investigations and referral to a specialised cancer
unit for further review and management.
Results : Only 5 (6.7%) family medicine trainees and 2 (2.7%)
final year medical students managed to answer the three questions
correctly. 60% of family medicine trainees and 40% of final year
medical students correctly answered the first question on cancer
diagnosis, 8% of family medicine trainees and 3% of final year medical
students correctly answered the second question on the initial
investigations in the primary care. 35% of family medicine trainees and
40% of final year medical students correctly answered the third
question on the referral to cancer unit for further management and
review.
Conclusion : There is an obvious need to improve awareness of
risk factors, signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, to implement a
robust ovarian cancer reporting system, cancer networks, and to develop
a country-wide strategy to enhance ovarian cancer care in Jordan.