Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Urban Women of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Regarding Breast Cancer

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of urban women in Riyadh regarding Breast Cancer (BC) and its available screening and treatment modalities Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study Setting: BC Awareness day campaigns conducted in Riyadh city from October 2010 to October 2013 Subjects: Six hundred females aged more than 18 years who responded to a well-structured questionnaire comprising of 37 questions. Main Outcome Measures: The level of knowledge and awareness regarding the risk factors and prevention of BC, misconceptions, symptomatology including KAP, regarding self breast examination (SBE), mammography and treatment for BC Results: Out of the 600 participants with a mean age of 31.9 years (+/- 10.49), 342 (57.0%) were married, and 215 (35.8%) were employed. The education level was considerably high; with 363 (60.5%) graduates. Late child bearing age (48.2%), positive family history (75%), increase in age (83.5%), and fatty diet (60.5%) were reported important risk factor for BC. A breast lump (70.8%), underarm lump (60.2%), breast pain (53.7%), change in nipple shape (58.7%) and nipple discharge (51.8%) were reported as the important symptoms for BC. About 348 (58.0%) had heard about SBE and 290 (48.3%) knew how to perform SBE. Nearly 433 (72.2%) believed that early detection for BC is possible with mammography and sound waves. Only 42 (7.0%) knew the treatment for BC. Majority of women 565 (94.2%) wanted more media awareness campaigns regarding the issue. Conclusion: There is an immediate need for an aggressive campaign to increase awareness regarding BC in Saudi Arabia.