Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Jordan: Findings from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System - 2007

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Jordan. Age standardized incidence rate for cervical cancer has been estimated at 3.6 per 100,000 women. This report presents the results of breast and cervical cancer screening practicesamong a nationally representative sample of Jordanian women aged 35 years or above. Method: We used data from the third Jordan Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (2007) among a nationally representative sample of Jordanian women aged 35 years (n=1,157). Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between each of breast and cervical cancer screening practices and selected socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Only 12.4% of women aged 35 years or older reported ever having a mammography. One fifth reported ever having a clinical breast examination at least once in their life time. Over one quarter (27.1%) of the women reported that they perform self-breast examination on monthly basis, and 41.7% reported ever having performed a self-breast examination. Among ever-married women aged 35 years or more, Pap smear test was performed by 27.8% during their life. The reported low practices have shown substantial differences across regions, age groups, level of education, family income, marital status, and source of medical services. Conclusion: The low reported cancer screening activities among women in Jordan calls for action. Data on current screening practices is a primary step to provide health professionals, and policy-makers with the information necessary to identify priorities and to facilitate cancer control, policy development, and planning.