Public awareness of breast cancer risk factors and screening among women of the western region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The most common cancer in women is breast cancer, affecting more than two million females per year. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of risk factors and screening recommendation for breast cancer among women in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was conducted among 360 women of the western region of Saudi Arabia who were older than 20 years. Women who had breast cancer were excluded. The study was conducted via a questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review and was filled by the participants. Results: The mean score of knowledge of breast cancer risk factor was 4.78, which indicated that the level of breast cancer risk factors awareness was poor among women of the western region of Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the mean score of knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening was 4.6. This mean score indicates that the level of awareness of breast cancer screening is good. Conclusion: Based on the study's findings, more educational campaigns to raise awareness of breast cancer are recommended.