Breast Cancer: Attitude, Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self Examination of 157 Saudi Women

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in Saudi females. Breast self examination (BSE) is a practical screening method for early detection of breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to find out knowledge and practice of BSE among Saudi women and their attitude towards breast cancer. METHODS: 157 Saudi women were randomly selected and interviewed in the general clinics of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, and a questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS: The age range of the women was from 15 to 69 years with mean age of 32.5 years and median of 30 years. 80 (51%) out of 157 women were illiterate. 19 (12%) women were found to conduct BSE, 8 (5%) regularly and 11 (7%) irregularly. 145 (92%) showed willingness to seek medical advice if they discover lumps in their breasts. The motives of these women were, a desire to reach a diagnosis at an early stage in the hope of cure in 120 (76%) and fear of cancer in 25 (16%). 11 (7%) women were unwilling to seek medical advice and the motives of these women were fear of cancer in 5 (3%) and shyness in 6 (4%). CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS: The proper technique of BSE should be taught to all Saudi women using all means of education either through books and magazines for literate women or through video films and self explanatory charts for illiterate women. A national campaign aimed at raising women's awareness about breast cancer and BSE is recommended.