LYMPHOMA: EXPLORING AWARENESS IN LEBANON

Authors

Nariman Salem, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Lena Abou Merhi, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Ghwia Adra, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Rayan Ayoub, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Nour El-Akash, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Sara Chaar, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Adeeb Awad Awad, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Omar Dasuki,, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow

Keywords

Awareness, Lymphoma, Cancer, Lebanon

Disciplines

Architecture | Business | Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

In 2012, 14.1 million patients were diagnosed with cancer worldwide of which 385,700 estimated new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Also, 81,080 new cases of lymphoma were reported in the United States (US) among both genders in 2016. In Lebanon, Lymphoma represents the fifth most frequent cancer, nonetheless, little is known regarding its epidemiological attributes. This study aims to determine the current knowledge of the Lebanese people living in Lebanon about Lymphoma. About 400 participants were approached in public places, universities, hospitals or work places in different regions across Lebanon. A survey including questions about lymph nodes, cancer and lymphoma as well as demographic characteristics was given to all eligible participants. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS and p value < 0.05 was considered significant. When asked about the types of cancers they knew, the majority of participants (93.5%) were able to identify breast cancer, while less than half of (30.67%) identified lymphoma as a cancer. Enlargement of the lymph nodes (LN) was the most common recognized symptom (93.4%) whereas 76.42% thought that family history of lymphoma was the most frequent risk factor for lymphoma. Among those who claim to know about lymphoma (30%), true in-depth knowledge about lymphoma was still lacking. The results of this independently conducted survey reveal the lack of awareness about lymphomas among the Lebanese population and highlight the need for campaigns to increase the knowledge and awareness.

Recommended Citation

Salem, Nariman; Abou Merhi, Lena; Adra, Ghwia; Ayoub, Rayan; El-Akash, Nour; Chaar, Sara; Awad, Adeeb Awad; and Dasuki,, Omar (2019) "LYMPHOMA: EXPLORING AWARENESS IN LEBANON," BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54729/2789-8288.1005