National survey of barriers to colorectal cancer screening in Jordan.

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is among the leading malignancies globally and in Jordan. It causes significant morbidity and mortality. It can be detected early, but uptake of colorectal cancer screening in Jordan is substantially low.

AIM

To determine the underlying barriers to the uptake of colorectal cancer screening in Jordan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the northern, central and southern regions of Jordan using selfadministered questionnaire that evaluated the barriers and attitudes towards colorectal cancer screening among adults aged 45 years and above living in Jordan. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.

RESULTS

Of the 1477 participants enrolled in the study, 29.1% reported the lack of information about screening as a major barrier to uptake, followed by the fear of any potential complications due to the test (10%), embarrassment associated with colonoscopy (7.8%), and fear of the result (7.4%). Only 9% of the study participants had taken the colonoscopy test for colorectal cancer screening.

CONCLUSION

Lack of information about colorectal cancer screening, misconceptions and embarrassment drive the low uptake of colorectal cancer screening in Jordan. There is a need for nationwide education and awareness on colorectal cancer screening to address the barriers reported in this study and increase screening uptake.