ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the principal cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Among Emirati females, breast cancer ranked first accounting for 23.1% of the total cancers. Around 58% of the cases occurred were reported from northern emirates. United Arab Emirates is having higher percentage of expat female population than Emirati women. There is lack of data regarding the knowledge and attitude about breast cancer in this mixed population. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of women towards breast cancer, risk factors and the screening program in women above the age of 19 years residing in northern emirates of the UAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multi-center based study conducted in selected northern emirates of the UAE. This study employed cross-sectional design involving women above the age of 19 years. The study was conducted among 400 women who attended three hospitals in Ajman, Sharjah and Fujairah. Pretested, content validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed. RESULTS: About 85.2% of participants had heard about breast cancer. Among all, 47.9% felt breast cancer is more frequent than other cancers. While inquiring about symptomatology, most of the respondents had incorrect knowledge (79.8% for painless breast lump, 78.6% change in breast size, 76.3% nipple discharge). Subjects were queried for breast cancer screening (BSE) and were observed to have poor knowledge. Regarding practice of those with correct knowledge on BSE 34.2% of the participants had correct practice. CONCLUSION: The result shows that while substantial number still remains ignorant of breast cancer issues, a good number of those who have knowledge were yet to translate knowledge and attitudes into practice.
