Breast health awareness in an Arabic culture: A qualitative exploration

Abstract

Aims To explore breast health awareness and the early diagnosis and detection methods of breast cancer from the perspective of women and primary healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Background A high incidence of advanced breast cancer exists in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger women. This is due to poor awareness of breast cancer and its management, social customs and poor breast health awareness among healthcare providers. Design Qualitative exploratory study. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in eight states across the Jizan region of Saudi Arabia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit Saudi women (N = 24), general practitioners (N = 20), and nurses (N = 20). Semi‐structured interviews were conducted from November 2015–February 2016. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Results Overarching themes centred on culture, religion, and resources. Novel key findings from this study confirm that Saudi women require more health education about breast cancer and breast cancer screening. The study has provided important new knowledge in relation to Islamic concept of preserving health, social barriers, cultural taboos, misconceptions, and myths that currently exist surrounding breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion This study provides new evidence on the complexity of poor breast health awareness and lack of resources in Saudi Arabia. Additional resources are needed to remove such barriers and provide targeted health education and services. Impact This research informs breast cancer service provision for Muslim or Arab women internationally as they share cultural resources or Islamic principles to follow a healthy lifestyle and help promote the uptake of breast cancer screening services.

Sexual activity and cancer: A systematic review of prevalence, predictors and information needs among female Arab cancer survivors

“…In addition, it could be possible that female Arab cancer survivors may be less likely to raise the topic of their sexual needs to a male health care provider. Moreover, in Arabic cultures, a male or the husband generally attends health appointments with the female cancer survivor, which could also deter the woman from expressing her sexual concerns even to a female health care provider due to the presence of a male (Madkhali et al, 2019 ).…”

Women’s Breast Cancer Knowledge and Health Communication in the United Arab Emirates

“…These previous studies have used quantitative methods to gain an overview of women's attitudes in the UAE and neighbouring countries. Within this region, there are limited studies using a qualitative approach to gain a deeper understanding of women's attitudes and barriers towards breast cancer screening [9,19]. Studies exploring women's knowledge, screening behaviours, and barriers have subsequently recommended qualitative approaches [17,20].…”

<p>Perceived Barriers and Awareness of Mammography Screening Among Saudi Women Attending Primary Health Centers</p>

“…7 Although MS has been available in all areas of Saudi Arabia since 2005, the national Saudi Health Interview Survey (NSHIS) in 2015 had shown a very low rate of MS utilization as 92% of eligible women reported not having a mammogram in the previous year. 8 Mammogram is a known screening method for BC, but to enhance its uptake, women should be knowledgeable about MS. 9 A significant number of Saudi women were complaining of an advanced stage of BC because of a lack of awareness and knowledge of MS. 10 Knowledge about MS is influenced by numerous factors, including socio-demographic characteristics of the women, their awareness of BC risk factors, and having a family history of BC. [11][12][13] There were many barriers towards MS and these barriers were classified into three main groups: personal, health system, and economic barriers.…”