Abstract
To explore breast health awareness and the early diagnosis and detection methods of breast cancer from the perspective of women and primary healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia.
A high incidence of advanced breast cancer exists in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger women. This is due to poor awareness of breast cancer and its management, social customs and poor breast health awareness among healthcare providers.
Qualitative exploratory study.
This qualitative study was conducted in eight states across the Jizan region of Saudi Arabia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit Saudi women (N = 24), general practitioners (N = 20), and nurses (N = 20). Semi-structured interviews were conducted from November 2015-February 2016. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken.
Overarching themes centred on culture, religion, and resources. Novel key findings from this study confirm that Saudi women require more health education about breast cancer and breast cancer screening. The study has provided important new knowledge in relation to Islamic concept of preserving health, social barriers, cultural taboos, misconceptions, and myths that currently exist surrounding breast cancer in Saudi Arabia.
This study provides new evidence on the complexity of poor breast health awareness and lack of resources in Saudi Arabia. Additional resources are needed to remove such barriers and provide targeted health education and services.
This research informs breast cancer service provision for Muslim or Arab women internationally as they share cultural resources or Islamic principles to follow a healthy lifestyle and help promote the uptake of breast cancer screening services.