Factors Influencing Breast Self-Exam Practice and Awareness among Females in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most common global malignancy 1. In 2022, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally highlighting the critical need for early detection strategies 2,3. Breast self-exam is a simple and costless method of detection 4. Despite its potential limitations in reducing mortality, women familiar with their breast tissue often find breast changes first 4. This study is designed to investigate factors influencing the practice and awareness of breast self-exams among females in Saudi Arabia. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study is conducted in Saudi Arabia targeting females aged 18 to 65 in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing their awareness and practices related to BSE and breast cancer. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for analysis. Results The majority of participants were single (71.3%), held a Bachelor’s degree (59.4%), and currently students (65.5%). A personal history of breast cancer was reported by 1.3% of women, while 12.9% had a family history and 16.1% had friends diagnosed with the disease. Awareness of breast cancer risk factors and symptoms varied, with 13.5% recognizing that women in their fifties face the highest risk, and 38.1% knowing the common symptoms. Although 79% had heard of breast self-examination (BSE), only 42.6% knew how to perform it. Regular clinical breast examinations were deemed necessary by 69.1%. Only 32.6% knew that BSE was not a substitute for mammograms. Overall, 21.3% had good awareness of breast cancer and BSE, with social media being the primary source of information (49.1%). Conclusion Awareness and practice of breast cancer screening are suboptimal among Saudi women. Higher awareness was associated with older age, higher education, marriage, employment, and personal/familial history of breast cancer. Efforts to improve awareness and screening should target younger, less educated, single, and unemployed women, emphasizing regular screening and early detection. Categories: Oncology