Discovering The Barriers to Colon Cancer Screening in Jordan

Abstract

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common global cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, affecting the colon and rectum. Screening modalities include fecal occult blood tests, immunohistochemical tests, and the gold standard, colonoscopy. Despite screening effectiveness, barriers such as misconceptions, cultural beliefs, cost, and disparities hinder widespread adoption.

Methods

This is a review article. We searched for relevant articles was done using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Studies had to be published in English to be considered.

Results

We examined global, regional, and local barriers to CRC screening in Jordan. Lack of awareness and physician recommendations emerged as significant hurdles, with responses reaching 70%. The general population in Jordan demonstrated limited knowledge about CRC and screening effectiveness, in contrast to healthcare workers who exhibited acceptable levels of knowledge. While about 60% of individuals receive adequate screening in the US, the expectation is considerably lower in Jordan and other third-world countries due to widespread underestimation of colon cancer risk among the general public.

Conclusion

Despite existing research in Jordan on barriers to CRC screening, there remains a need for further patient-centered investigation to better understand these obstacles. It is crucial to address the lack of physician guidance, pinpointing whether this issue stems from poor patient-physician communication or insufficient knowledge among healthcare providers regarding the significance of CRC screening. Moreover, tackling social and gender disparities is vital, given that men are both more susceptible to CRC and less likely to pursue screening, even when asymptomatic.