Knowledge and Awareness of breast cancer among university female students in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman- A pilot study

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Oman and worldwide. Breast cancer patients in Oman are commonly presented at a relatively young age and with an advanced stage of disease. This could be due to lack of awareness, knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer and its management among females. The present pilot study assessed the awareness and knowledge about the screening method (Breast self examination), risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer among 157 university female students in Muscat region. The study results indicated that female students were well informed and aware about breast cancer in general but their knowledge of breast cancer symptoms was better than the risk factors of breast cancer. The study also revealed that majority of the students knew that Breast self examination (BSE) is the most common and easy method of breast cancer detection but their knowledge regarding frequency and the appropriate time to practice BSE was not very good. Thus, more educational programs could be designed to provide comprehensive information on breast cancer and BSE to improve women’s knowledge and awareness which can help in the early detection and reporting of breast cancer for the better treatment.