Colorectal cancer in Jordan: prevention and care. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmad, Muayyad M.; Dardas, Latefa; Dardas, Lubna; Ahmad, Huthaifa
• Is Part Of: Global health promotion. Volume 22:Number 4(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: cancer screening and prevention -- healthcare -- health promotion; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1757975914547712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-9759

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward colorectal cancer prevention and care in Jordan. A survey was designed to produce reliable estimates for the population's knowledge, attitudes, and practices in all 12 governorates of Jordan by using stratified random sampling. A representative sample of the adult population in Jordan completed a comprehensive tool which explored participants' knowledge about the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer, cancer prevention through lifestyle changes, and early cancer diagnosis and screening. According to the participants ( n = 3196), colorectal cancer had the second highest percentage of screening recommendation (12.6%) after breast cancer (57.3%). Only 340 individuals (11%) reported ever screening for cancer. About 20% of the participants had heard of one of the screening tests for colorectal cancer. In fact, only 290 (9.1%) participants had performed the colorectal cancer screening tests. This study provides data that will help colorectal cancer prevention and treatment programs and may enhance the efficiency of colorectal cancer-controlling programs. The findings confirm the necessity of starting colorectal screening intervention that targets the most vulnerable individuals.