Perspective of Saudi women in the Makkah region on breast cancer awareness

OBJECTIVE To assess the perspective of Saudi women in the Makkah region on breast cancer awareness and early detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS A mixed method study was conducted among 25-65 years old healthy Saudi females from Makkah region during the awareness campaign in October 2014. The participants were recruited by personal invitations at the women's places of work and social gatherings. The initial invitations were issued by either the research coordinator or the investigator. All women were asked to complete a short questionnaire on basic knowledge on breast cancer. This was followed by focus group discussions. All interviews were carried out by female breast cancer consultant oncologists. All discussion transcripts were summarized and categorized into main themes; data presented as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS Forty Saudi females, aged 25-65 years, were included in the study. Nearly 38% of them had never attended any awareness campaign on breast cancer. Only 10% of the participants correctly answered all five basic questions on the risk and early detection of breast cancer; 63% of the women had never been taught breast self-examination. Participants' perception was discussed in five focus groups. Four themes were identified during the discussions: knowledge about breast cancer and screening; resources of breast cancer awareness; social support for access to awareness program; and beliefs on breast cancer and early detection. CONCLUSION We recommend that strategies on breast cancer awareness in our population should focus on early detection by improving the knowledge and skills of women. These strategies should include programs widely accessible through primary health-care centers and other health-care institutions. In addition, we recommend that physicians and family members should be involved in these programs.