Knowledge and Level of Awareness Regarding Breast Cancer and Practices of Breast Screening Methods Among Female Riyadh Citizens

TL;DR

This study examines the knowledge and awareness of breast cancer and screening methods among women in Riyadh, finding generally poor understanding despite some awareness of mammograms.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the knowledge gaps and factors influencing awareness of breast cancer screening in a specific population in Riyadh.

Findings

Most participants showed poor knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and BSE.

Older participants had better knowledge of mammograms compared to younger ones.

Information from campaigns and TV/radio was linked to better knowledge about breast cancer.

Abstract

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Some of the risk factors for breast cancer include family history, personal history, and hormonal replacement therapy. There are different methods of screening breast cancer, including clinical examination, breast self-examination (BSE), and mammograms. Despite the various modalities of screening, the screening was low, and the level of awareness was variable.

Objective

The objective of this research is to determine the knowledge and level of awareness regarding breast cancer and BSE among female Riyadh citizens.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 408 participants, using a convenient sample technique. The inclusion criteria were female, Riyadh residents, aged between 18 and 70 years old. An online survey was distributed among female Riyadh residents, and it included demographic data, knowledge regarding breast cancer, its risk factors, BSE, and mammograms. The questionnaire was constructed for this study, and validity and reliability were tested. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 22; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software was used for statistics. Analysis of quantitative data by a t-test and association of qualitative variables by a chi-square test was conducted. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 408 participated in our sturdy, with the majority aged 50 years and above. All of those aged between 18 and 30, in addition to the majority of those aged 50 and above, showed poor knowledge. Gathering information through campaigns and TV/radio was associated with better knowledge compared to other sources. Knowledge regarding breast cancer risk factors was better among younger participants compared to older ones. Regarding BSE, all participants, regardless of age, showed poor knowledge. However, older participants aged 50 and above showed good knowledge in regard mammograms.

Conclusion

Most of the participants showed poor knowledge in regards to breast cancer symptoms and signs, risk factors, and BSE. However, knowledge regarding mammograms was mostly good among the participants. The variations in knowledge were influenced by several factors, including age, educational level, number of kids, information sources, and prior history of history of breast cancer or of a relative.

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