Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Male High School Students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) accounts for 24 % of all women cancer cases diagnosed in Saudi Arabia each year. Awareness is extremely important in combating this disease. This study was undertaken to assess male high school students' response to BC. This cross-sectional survey was performed on male high school students across schools in Jeddah. A questionnaire gathered data on respondent demographics, beliefs about BC, BC risk factors, early screening methods, and role of men in BC. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20. A total of 824 students participated, with an average age of 17.0 years. There was more than 50 % agreement that early detection of BC enhances the chances of recovery, that BC is treatable, and that clinical breast examination and breastfeeding provide protection from BC. Around half the survey population thought that BC was fatal and contagious. Fewer than 50 % thought that BC was inherited and related to smoking, consumption of contraceptive pills, repeated exposure to radiation, obesity, and wearing a bra and that breast tumors were all malignant and spread to different parts of the body. Others knew that mammograms should be performed periodically. A high percentage persuaded their relatives to have mammograms and provided them with psychological support. Knowledge of BC among male high school students in Saudi Arabia is still limited, and, therefore, programs and activities need to be established to increase awareness among high school students.

<p>Do Men and Women in Saudi Arabia Have the Same Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Breast Cancer? A Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…16 Previous studies have indicated poor knowledge of breast cancer risk factors among both genders in Saudi Arabia. 12,17,18 For example, 59.5% of Saudi women respondents in Abha (n=1140; mean age=33.6±11.9 years) had poor level of knowledge regarding breast Notes:…”

“…Previous studies have indicated poor knowledge of breast cancer risk factors among both genders in Saudi Arabia. 12 , 17 , 18 For example, 59.5% of Saudi women respondents in Abha (n=1140; mean age=33.6±11.9 years) had poor level of knowledge regarding breast cancer risk factors (ie, <50% correctly identified risk factors such as contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy, and age). 19 Similarly, a recent survey of 40 Saudi women in Makkah aged 25–65 years confirmed they had poor knowledge of breast cancer (only 10% responded correctly to the questions on breast cancer risk factors).…”

“…Unfortunately, few studies have examined this issue to date. 11,12 To the best of our knowledge, only one study has been conducted among adult Saudi men, which included 550 participants who attended the outpatient clinics of King Abdulaziz University Hospital with their female relatives. 11 Similar to the data reported for adult Saudi women, this study showed that men had poor knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, and only 57.6% were aware of the importance of early detection.…”

“…11 Furthermore, a cross-sectional report on 824 Saudi male high school students in Jeddah (mean age=17 years) indicated that while two thirds of male students knew that early detection of breast cancer was important, the level of knowledge of breast cancer risk factors among young Saudi men was poor (eg, only 57.9% stated that breast cancer was inherited). 12 Therefore, based on limited available data, knowledge of breast cancer among Saudi men appears to be at a low level.…”

Assessment of Breast Cancer Awareness Level among Saudi Medical Students

“…In cross-sectional survey performed on male high school students across schools in Jeddah concluded that, knowledge of BC among male high school students in Saudi Arabia is still limited, and, therefore, programs and activities need to be established to increase awareness among high school students [21]. Another study evaluated the level of breast cancer awareness and perceived barriers to seeking medical care among Saudi women, using internationally validated tool, emphasized the critical need for an effective national breast cancer education program to increase public awareness and early diagnosis [22].…”