Level and predictors of breast cancer awareness among Saudi women: A nationwide study

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells grow rapidly and uncontrollably. Early detection and intervention have been established to significantly decrease mortality rates. Objective: There is a lack of focused research investigating the degree of breast cancer awareness among Saudi women. Thus, this study aimed to fill this gap by conducting a nationwide survey on a large pool of women. Design: A cross-sectional web-based nationwide study. Methods: This study targeted Saudi women from all regions of the country and was conducted from 20 August to 3 September 2021. The study used the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire to measure breast cancer awareness. This study was approved by the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center institutional review board. Results: Overall, poor breast cancer awareness scores were demonstrated by 71% of the participants. Unemployed women were more likely to have poor breast cancer awareness. Conclusion: Our study reports an alarmingly high level of poor overall breast cancer awareness in Saudi women. Interventions should be implemented to combat this lack of awareness.

Breast Cancer Awareness Among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

“…Additional effort should be put forth through women’s healthcare providers to increase the awareness of breast cancer screening. That means we need to continue emphasizing the importance of primary healthcare for early detection of breast cancer in the early stages Qedair 2022 18 430 1855 Our study reports an alarmingly high level of poor overall breast cancer awareness in Saudi women. Interventions should be implemented to combat this lack of awareness Al-Khamis 2018 25 27 263 We are reporting a major gap in breast cancer awareness and several logistic and emotional barriers to seeking medical care among adult Saudi women.…”

“…The individual study sample sizes ranged from 137 to 2,544 participants. 18 , 23 Specifically, five studies targeted the general population, 18 , 20 , 23 , 25 , 26 while five studies focused on patients. 19 , 22 , 24 , 27 , 28 Additionally, three studies specifically examined schoolteachers as their target population.…”

“…Following this assessment, only 13 articles met the criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] All the included studies were conducted between 2005 and 2022. Moreover, one study was a nationwide study, 18 while all other studies were conducted in a single region of Saudi Arabia.…”

Knowledge about Breast Cancer and Barriers to Screening among Saudi Women in Al-Baha Region

“…Occupation’s impact lessened when adjusted for other variables. Qedair et al [ 30 ] showed regional, income, and employment status differences in breast cancer awareness. Tailored campaigns addressing demographic nuances are essential for bridging knowledge gaps.…”

Breast Cancer Awareness Among Medical Students, University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia

“…A recent study yielded alarming results regarding Saudi women's awareness of BC, perception of risk factors, and preventive measures. 2 A high incidence of BC was observed in central and western Saudi Arabia, 3 with more deterioration mortality and morbidities are expected in Saudi Arabia. 4 Reasonable beliefs and awareness of warning signs for breast cancer prevention will enable women and their families to develop ideas about breast cancer prevention.…”