Breast cancer knowledge and screening behaviors of female teachers: A cross-sectional survey in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second commonest cause of cancer-related deaths in Saudi Arabia. However, several women bypass early discovery and management possibilities. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the governmental secondary girls’ schools in Buraydah city, Saudi Arabia, during the period from August 2019 to January 2020. The data were collected using a valid pretested structured self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The study included 316 female teachers. The total breast cancer knowledge score was abnormally distributed, as evidenced by significant Shapiro-Wilk test, P < 0.001. The mean ± SD score was 10.66 ± 3.73 (maximum possible score: 15) and the median (IQR) was 11 (8–13). Less than half (42.7%) of the teachers reported performing breast self-examination (BSE (while only 9.5% went to a clinic for clinical breast examination. BSE was performed on monthly basis by only 14.8% of those practiced it. Ignorance of the examination and fear to discover a tumor were mentioned by 24.9% for each as a reason for not performing BSE, whereas 42.5% of those who did not practice it had no definite reason. Mammogram was ever practiced by 22.5% of the female teachers. Older teachers (40–50) reported higher rates of performing mammogram compared to those aged <40, P = 0.012. Also, teachers who had friends with breast cancer were practiced mammogram at higher rate than their counterparts, P = 0.025. CONCLUSION: The breast cancer knowledge is overall insufficient regarding risk factors and clinical presentation. Improving knowledge regarding risk factors, presentation, and screening tools as BSE and mammogram through educational programs is highly recommended.