BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE AMONG ADULT FEMALES, EASTERN PROVINCE, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of malignancy in women around the world. In Saudi Arabia, a total of 6,922 female BC cases were recorded in the Saudi Cancer Registry during the period from 2001-2008. Eastern province has the highest prevalence rate in Saudi Arabia at 26.6 per 100,000 women, followed by Riyadh 20.5 then other regions. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study, was carried out on random, adult females 18 years old or more in eastern province, Saudi Arabia. They were approached to participate in a questionnaire about BC. The questionnaire (either paper or online), consent forms were taken. Data were analyzed by demographic criteria, including age, gender, marital status, and level of education, to determine if there are any difference between them. Statistical analysis: Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 (SPSSv23). Results: In total, 555 participants completed the survey. Most of them believed that screening should begin before the onset of the symptoms (63%). less than one third of participants believed in early menarche, late menopause, and nulliparous. Their answers were varied according to their education levels. Even though, there were some misconceptions with high educated people. Conclusion: Although higher education and older individuals tended to answer questions correctly more than others, there is a need to improve the knowledge about the BC and its screening guidelines to encourage them to go through these tests. A national education program in Saudi Arabia is recommended to improve BC knowledge.