DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29173584
title: Knowledge and awareness of breast cancer signs and symptoms among Jordanian women

description: Breast cancer (BC) remains the most common cancer among women worldwide. Early detection plays a vital role in reducing morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess Jordanian women’s awareness of BC signs and symptoms to support timely recognition and intervention. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted involving 381 Jordanian women from the general community. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing their knowledge of BC signs and symptoms using a three-point Likert scale (“Yes,” “Unsure,” “No”). Demographic variables were analyzed for association with knowledge levels using Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact Test. 80.3% of participants demonstrated good awareness of BC signs and symptoms. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and marital status (<i>p</i> = 0.000), age (<i>p</i> = 0.033), having children (<i>p</i> = 0.000), number of children (<i>p</i> = 0.003), education specialty (<i>p</i> = 0.000), and working area (<i>p</i> = 0.005). Most participants demonstrated a strong awareness of BC signs and symptoms. However, educational interventions are needed to target knowledge gaps, particularly among unmarried women. Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, and early identification is essential for improved prognoses. This study evaluated the awareness and knowledge of BC signs and symptoms among 381 Jordanian women. To assess participants’ comprehension of BC signs and symptoms, a standardized questionnaire on a three-point Likert scale was utilized. The findings of this study are significant, indicating that 80.3% of women possessed a comprehensive awareness of BC signs and symptoms. This knowledge can be a powerful tool in the fight against BC. Knowledge levels were found to be substantially correlated with various demographics, including marital status, age, number and presence of children, educational attainment, and professional domain. This correlation piques curiosity and opens avenues for further research. The results underscore the pressing need for specialized educational initiatives. These initiatives have the potential to significantly enhance awareness among unmarried and less-informed women, inspiring hope for a future with reduced BC cases. Breast cancer is the predominant form of cancer in women. Recognizing the initial warning symptoms can enable women to pursue therapy earlier, thus enhancing their survival prospects. This study surveyed 381 women in Jordan regarding their awareness of breast cancer signs and symptoms. More than 80% of the women were capable of identifying the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Our findings indicate that married women, those of advanced age, mothers, and individuals with greater educational attainment were more likely to possess substantial knowledge. This study suggests that although many women recognize the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, there remains a necessity to educate specific demographics, particularly unmarried women. Enhancing knowledge among all women is crucial for early disease detection and improved health outcomes.