Awareness of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer: a cross-sectional study from a developing country setting
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with poor prognosis, largely due to delayed diagnosis and limited awareness of its risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches. This study aimed to assess public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward PC among adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 438 adults using a structured, validated questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Participants’ awareness, knowledge of risk factors and diagnostic methods, attitudes toward seeking medical care, and screening practices were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of PC awareness. Among the 438 participants, 73.7% had heard of PC, and 98.6% recognized it as a serious disease. However, knowledge remained limited, particularly regarding symptoms and diagnostic approaches. Alcohol consumption (72.4%), chronic pancreatitis (65.5%), and family history (65.1%) were commonly recognized risk factors, while misconceptions regarding radiation exposure (34.5%) were evident. More than 70% of participants were unaware of PC diagnostic methods. Despite generally positive health-seeking attitudes, with 60.3% reporting that they would be very likely to consult a physician if they experienced alarming symptoms, only 2.7% had undergone screening, and 83.6% had never received information about PC from a healthcare provider. Multivariate analysis identified no independent predictors of PC awareness. Although general awareness of PC was moderate and attitudes toward seeking medical care were positive, substantial knowledge gaps persisted regarding symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches. These findings highlight the need for targeted, evidence-based educational interventions integrated into primary healthcare and chronic disease management services to improve public understanding, promote timely medical consultation, and potentially reduce diagnostic delays. Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that is often difficult to detect early because its symptoms can be mild, unclear, or similar to common digestive problems. Recognizing warning signs and seeking medical advice promptly may help people receive a diagnosis at an earlier stage. This study explored how much adults living in Jordan know about pancreatic cancer, including its risk factors, warning signs, diagnosis, and the importance of seeking medical care. We collected information from 438 adults using face-to-face interviews. Most participants (73.7%) had heard of pancreatic cancer, and almost all (98.6%) considered it a serious disease. However, knowledge about important risk factors, symptoms, and how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed was limited. Many participants recognized alcohol use, chronic pancreatitis, family history, diabetes, and smoking as risk factors. However, misconceptions about other possible risk factors were also common. More than 70% did not know how pancreatic cancer is investigated. Participants were generally willing to seek medical help if they developed concerning symptoms. However, 83.6% reported that they had never received information about pancreatic cancer from a healthcare professional. Social media was the main source of information. These findings show a need for clear and reliable public information about pancreatic cancer, particularly about warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal or back pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, and new or worsening diabetes. Healthcare professionals, primary care services, community pharmacies, and professionally reviewed social media content could help improve public awareness and encourage timely medical assessment when concerning symptoms occur. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults in Jordan regarding pancreatic cancer.Knowledge of pancreatic cancer was generally good; people knew that it was a serious health issue; however, not much was known about risk factors, warning signs, and diagnostic methods.Participants knew about other well-known risk factors, including alcohol consumption, chronic pancreatitis, family history, diabetes, and smoking, and had misconceptions about the other potential risk factors.Over three-quarters of all respondents said they were unaware of the diagnostic tools used to try to diagnose pancreatic cancer.The primary source of pancreatic cancer information was social media, with limited communication from healthcare professionals: 83.6% of participants did not receive information about pancreatic cancer from a healthcare professional.The majority of participants reported that they would seek medical help if they had symptoms, they considered to be a concern, which poses a potential service opportunity to enhance timely presentation due to greater awareness of symptoms.Public health education should deliver clear and evidence-based information about warning signs and risk factors for pancreatic cancer, including via social media, primary health care and community pharmacies.Earlier diagnosis may be facilitated by improved recognition of worrying symptoms and promoting prompt medical evaluation, especially when there is no routine population screening. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults in Jordan regarding pancreatic cancer. Knowledge of pancreatic cancer was generally good; people knew that it was a serious health issue; however, not much was known about risk factors, warning signs, and diagnostic methods. Participants knew about other well-known risk factors, including alcohol consumption, chronic pancreatitis, family history, diabetes, and smoking, and had misconceptions about the other potential risk factors. Over three-quarters of all respondents said they were unaware of the diagnostic tools used to try to diagnose pancreatic cancer. The primary source of pancreatic cancer information was social media, with limited communication from healthcare professionals: 83.6% of participants did not receive information about pancreatic cancer from a healthcare professional. The majority of participants reported that they would seek medical help if they had symptoms, they considered to be a concern, which poses a potential service opportunity to enhance timely presentation due to greater awareness of symptoms. Public health education should deliver clear and evidence-based information about warning signs and risk factors for pancreatic cancer, including via social media, primary health care and community pharmacies. Earlier diagnosis may be facilitated by improved recognition of worrying symptoms and promoting prompt medical evaluation, especially when there is no routine population screening.
Source: Figshare
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225820647
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