Men's knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer in Saudi Arabia a cross sectional study

To identify men's knowledge and attitude towards early detection of breast cancer. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Five hundred and fifty participants were selected by systemic randomization. The distributed questionnaire included: demographics, knowledge and its source on breast cancer, beliefs and practice regarding breast self-examination [BSE], mammography, and difficulties that may prevent women from seeking medical help. The questionnaire was filled anonymously and in private. The response rate was 90.9%, and most were employees [63.2%]. Physicians represented 43.4% of the source of knowledge, followed by the internet [40.4%], and last, the media [30.4%]. Breast mass was the most common symptom [36.6%], followed by change of breast size [26%] and pain [20.2%], while 24% did not know the symptoms of breast cancer. Approximately 13% believed that all cases of breast cancer ended with mastectomy. Only 57.6% were aware of the importance of BSE in early detection of breast cancer, and approximately 90% did not know the importance of mammography. Awareness campaigns aimed at husbands and men in general are to be strongly considered. They should encourage their wives and families to enroll in awareness and screening campaigns.

Neglected intra-cervical bizarre foreign object

Foreign objects in the female genital tract neglected for a long period of time may lead to many clinical problems including recurrent vaginal discharge and infertility. We present a case of 3-year long infertility, and 11-year long recurrent vaginal discharge in a 24-year-old female. She was treated empirically with several courses of antibiotics, which did not resolve her symptoms. Before her marriage, the family declined initial attempts to perform a physical examination due to fear of tearing the hymen, which has many social implications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After her marriage, she suffered from infertility and continued to have the vaginal discharge. On vaginal examination, she was found to have a foreign body in the uterine cervix. It was inserted 13 years ago, and lead to chronic vaginal discharge and infertility

knowledge of breast cancer among young Saudi females

To assess the breast cancer knowledge level of Saudi female school students. A detailed questionnaire on cancer breast was designed with all the needed information. Using a map of the Jeddah area of Saudi Arabia, schools were identified in each area and permission was sought from the Ministry of Education to distribute the questionnaire to the students. A team of volunteers was instructed on how to distribute and collect the questionnaires. The collected questionnaires were then statistically analyzed. This Pilot study of 500 students was performed in King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital using high schools from the city of Jeddah between April and June 2009. The results were used to build up a base for designing a community educational program. Analysis of the data from 337 questionnaires from high school and college students showed that the level of knowledge of young females on breast cancer is limited. However, it also indicated that the students are very enthusiastic to learn about cancer breast, and its prevention. The limited knowledge level of breast cancer in the younger generation might be an obstacle to screening programs and early diagnosis. Awareness programs should be developed including lectures, seminars workshops, and on hands training

Health care provider's role in facing the future burden of breast cancer in Saudi

To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care professionals on the early detection of breast cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah and Abha regions of Saudi Arabia from May to November 2009. A detailed questionnaire was distributed to 500 doctors from different hospitals. The questionnaire contained items on the practice of clinical breast examination and mammogram examination, and the doctor's perception of their roles in education. The results of 337 questionnaires analyzed indicated that most health care professionals do not practice clinical breast examination and mammography, and the perception of their roles in education is not as expected. Health care providers are one of the main barriers in improving early detection of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. There is need to increase awareness among health care providers of their role in the fight against breast cancer through focused education and training programs

Assisted reproductive technology in Saudi Arabia

This paper aims at presenting details of the application of assisted reproductive technology and the impact of the Islamic law [Sharia] on its practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. Analysis of the data sourced from manual searches of bibliographies from key articles showed that this technology in KSA is practiced in a strictly religious manner and certain aspects of the technology are completely forbidden. It further showed that lack of an official government in-vitro fertilization [IVF] registry to gather information on the activities of IVF clinics has limited the data available for international comparisons. Sharing information internationally could allow religiously concerned infertile couples to have access to the reproductive services in the Kingdom. It would further improve the quality of care, enhance certain techniques like in-vitro maturation and experimentation on embryos, by providing resources that are currently unavailable, keeping in view the religious beliefs and avoiding conflicts