Awareness level of breast cancer, breast self-examination, and risk factors among women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) is crucial for improving prognosis. This study assessed the knowledge, skills, and practices related to BSE among women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 2022 to 2024. A validated, self-administered online questionnaire was distributed via social media to 381 women aged 18 years and older. Data were analyzed to determine the level of awareness, knowledge, and practice of BSE, as well as knowledge of risk and protective factors associated with BC. Results: The study revealed that while a large majority (82.9%) of participants had heard of BSE, only 28.3% knew it should be performed monthly, and only 32.3% knew how to perform it. Only 15% of participants performed BSE monthly, with 58% reporting they had never performed it, primarily due to a lack of knowledge. Participants demonstrated good awareness of certain BC symptoms, such as changes in breast size or shape (73%), nipple discharge (71.7%), and the presence of a painless lump (80.1%). Smoking (97.9%) and family history (84.3%) were widely recognized as risk factors. Performing regular BSE (85.8%) was identified as a preventive measure. Conclusion: While awareness of BC and BSE is relatively high among women in Jeddah, knowledge and practice of BSE remain inadequate. There is a need for targeted public health education campaigns to improve women's understanding of BSE techniques, the recommended frequency, and other relevant aspects of BC prevention and early detection.