Breast cancer patients in Saudi Arabia experienced intimate partner violence

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among Saudi women. Despite this prominence, the lack of data on the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and breast cancer among Saudi women has presented significant obstacles for both academics and practitioners. This study sought to determine the prevalence, consequences, and types of IPV-including physical, emotional, and verbal abuse as well as controlling behavior-among Saudi breast cancer patients and survivors (BCPS). A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia (SA) among 146 BCPS. The frequency of IPV among BCPS varied by IPV type. The most prevalent forms of IPV were verbal and emotional (26%). All BCPS who were exposed to emotional and verbal IPV had at least one emotional issue. IPV was found to be significantly associated with both participants and their partners being unemployed and having a lower level of education. IPV can adversely impact the health and well-being of BCPS as well as that of their children and families. Therefore, future research and practice must prioritize enhancing IPV awareness among patients with cancer and their families due to its profound effect on the health and well-being of those affected.