ABSTRACT
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