Knowledge and attitude of Saudi female students towards breast cancer: A cross-sectional study

Objective: In Saudi Arabia, females suffering from breast cancer often present late when their cancer has progressed to advanced stages. Hence the overall survival rate is low. Medical help-seeking behavior of females may be influenced by their awareness about breast cancer. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of university students towards breast cancer. Methods: One hundred and fifty females from a university in Saudi Arabia completed a questionnaire intended to provoke their sociodemographic information and knowledge, attitude and practices towards breast cancer. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 19. Results: Mean knowledge score was 16.6 out of 29. One hundred and six participants (70.7%) scored 50.0% and more. On the other hand, number of participants whose scores were below 50% was rather less (44; 29.3%). Variables like single, knowing of a friend/family member suffering from breast cancer or practice of breast self-examination were significantly related to participants' knowledge scores. 50.7% participants admitted to carry out the breast self-examination procedure. Only 13 study participants (8.7%) had clinical breast examination. None of the participants had undergone mammography. Conclusion: Female university students have mild knowledge of breast cancer symptoms and management. They are also not clear about etiology and risk factors associated with breast cancer. Practice of clinical breast examination and mammography was rare in the participants. There is a need to enhance their knowledge regarding breast cancer and emphasize the need of breast cancer screening programs.