Uptake rate, barriers, and attitudes towards mammography screening for breast cancer in Jordan.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer in Jordan accounts for 37.5% of all cancers in females. With the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, work is focused mainly on health promotion campaigns. This study assessed the screening uptake, identified barriers, and examined women's awareness of the importance of mammography screening in Jordan.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in six governorates in Jordan. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with a random sample of women aged 40 to 69 years who were eligible for mammography screening.

RESULTS

610 participants with a mean age of 50.35 ± 7.6 years were included in the study. Breast self-examination, doctor examination, and periodic mammography screening were reported by 33.6%, 13.8%, and 10.4% of study participants, respectively. High income and family history of breast cancer were statistically significant predictors of screening. This study identified key barriers to screening such as cost and limited healthcare professionals' advice.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of a national program for free systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, the uptake of mammography screening is expected to stay at low rates. The outcomes of the study will assist future campaigns and programs for improving the uptake of breast cancer screening in Jordan.