Ovarian cancer : knowledge of risk factors and symptoms among working Malaysian women

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer, but it accounts for only about 3% of all cancers in women. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and associated factors of working Malaysian women about ovarian cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from June until September 2012. A self-administered questionnaire consists of 4 sections: socio-demographic characteristics; general awareness on ovarian cancer and symptoms. A total number of 250 women participated in this study. The majority of them younger than or 30 years old (66%), Malay (40.8%), single (65.6%), degree holders (46.0%), from urban areas (88.4%) and with income less than or equal to 2000 Ringgit Malaysia. Overall the knowledge of the Malaysian working women was very poor, the highest knowledge was on the Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness symptoms (33.6%) and the lowest was about unexplained changes in bowel habits (24.4%). Similarly, the participants in this study showed a poor knowledge about risk factors too. Personal or family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer (43.2%) was the highest symptoms mentioned by the participants and the lowest was undesired infertility (29.6%). For Multivariate analysis; multiple linear regression showed that only residency was significantly influence the knowledge towards ovarian cancer of Malaysian working women. Conclusion: This study found poor knowledge among Malaysian women about ovarian cancer. There is a significant different between those from urban and rural areas. More attention should be given to the rural areas. Annual ovarian cancer campaign should be organized nationwide to increase the awareness of women about ovarian cancer.