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Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Male High School Students in Saudi Arabia

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This study was sponsored by Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al-Amoudi Center of Excellence in Breast Cancer. We also express our gratitude to the team members of the center: Sara Bugshan and Karen Lopez for their help and assistance during the preparation of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sheikh Mohammed Hussien Al-Amoudi Center of Excellence in Breast Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Samia Al-Amoudi

  2. Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Moaiad Tariq Abdul-Aziz AlHomied, Nasser Youssef Nasser AlSayegh, Osama Naseem Ismail Radi, Mohammed Majed Suliman Zagzoog, Omar Faisal Mubarak Aloufi, Abdullah Abdulkarim Ali Al-Harbi, Safwan Tayeb & Mahmoud Al-Ahwal

  3. Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Mohammed Hassanien

  4. Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Basem Eldeek

  5. Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

    Steve Harakeh

Authors
  1. Samia Al-Amoudi
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  2. Moaiad Tariq Abdul-Aziz AlHomied
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  3. Nasser Youssef Nasser AlSayegh
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  4. Osama Naseem Ismail Radi
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  5. Mohammed Majed Suliman Zagzoog
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  6. Omar Faisal Mubarak Aloufi
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  7. Abdullah Abdulkarim Ali Al-Harbi
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  8. Safwan Tayeb
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  9. Mohammed Hassanien
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  10. Mahmoud Al-Ahwal
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  11. Basem Eldeek
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  12. Steve Harakeh
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Samia Al-Amoudi.

Ethics declarations

This study received an ethical approval from King Abdulaziz University Ethical Committee and Ministry of Education.

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Implications and Contributions

This study contributes to the development of an effective program aimed at promoting knowledge among high school students regarding breast cancer and ways to help their family members in the prevention and management of the disease.

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Al-Amoudi, S., AlHomied, M.T.AA., AlSayegh, N.Y.N. et al. Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Male High School Students in Saudi Arabia. J Canc Educ 31, 784–788 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-015-0951-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-015-0951-8

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