title: Ovarian cancer symptom awareness and anticipated time to help-seeking for symptoms among UK women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine levels of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and to identify barriers to help-seeking and predictors of a longer time to help-seeking in a UK female population-based sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  A UK population-based sample of women [n=1000, including a subsample of women at higher risk due to their age (≥45 years, n=510)] completed the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Measure by telephone interview. Questions measured symptom awareness (using recall and recognition), barriers to medical help-seeking and anticipated time to help-seeking. Regression analyses identified predictors of a higher score on a scale of anticipated time to help-seeking.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most women (58% overall sample; 54% subgroup) were unable to recall any symptoms but 99% recognised at least one. Recognition was lowest for difficulty eating and persistently feeling full. In the sample overall, higher socio-economic status and higher endorsement of practical and service barriers independently predicted a longer anticipated time to help-seeking for more symptoms. White ethnicity was an additional predictor in the older subgroup.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms is low in the UK, and varies widely between symptoms. It identifies variables that may be involved in a longer time to help-seeking for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and highlights the need for more in-depth research into the factors related to time to help-seeking in real-world situations.
authors.affiliation: Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK. e.low@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Emma L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Low
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Waller
authors.forename: Usha
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Menon
authors.forename: Annwen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Alice E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Simon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult