WOMEN\'S AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE TOWARD SCREENING OF OVARIAN CANCER IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA.

Background: Ovarian Cancer is considered the 8th most common malignancy among ladies worldwide[1]. It has the greatest mortality rate of gynecological malignancies [1][2]. The symptoms do not usually appear until late stages, therefore, it has been called the silent killer[2][3] Aim of the study: this study will report the knowledge of 200 women regarding ovarian cancer risk factors and their attitude toward screening [14] . Materials and Methods: 200 Women aged from 18-45 years completed the questionnaires, the questionnaires have been distributed at Princess Nora University, schools and different hospitals. The study has been held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (6) questions assessing knowledge, beliefs regarding ovarian cancer, and (10) Questions assessing the attitude towards ovarian cancer screening, the answers on attitude questions presented on 4 points likert scale. The cut off total score of knowledge was taken at 50% where > or = 50% correct answers are considered as good knowledge, <50% correct answers are considered poor knowledge. Moreover, the cut off total score of attitude was taken at 50%, where > or = 50% correct answers are considered as a good attitude and <50% correct answers are considered as a bad attitude. Results: In all, 62.5% were aware that a family history of OC was associated with a higher risk of progressing the disease. But only 19% recognized the increased risk associated with a family history of breast cancer. 25% acknowledged the increased probability of developingOC after menopause. 23.5% identified the association between pregnancy and reduced OC risk; only 12.5% were aware of the preventive effects of breastfeeding. The overall knowledge of females about OC, its incidence and risk factors was good. While the overall attitude toward screening was good. The final result of the study of the association between knowledge and attitude showed that most participants (46.5%) have a good knowledge and have a good attitude. Conclusion:Overall the level of the knowledge of the participants about the perception of risk and risk factors of ovarian cancer was considered good. On the other hand, most of the participants had a good attitude toward screening.