Breast Cancer Awareness and Breast Self-Examination Practices among Female Students at Al-Mashreq University: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide and a major cause of preventable cancer mortality, particularly in resource-constrained settings where delayed presentation is common. Breast self-examination (BSE) does not replace clinical assessment or mammography, but breast self-awareness may promote early help-seeking among young women. This study assessed breast cancer awareness and BSE practices among female students at Al-Mashreq University. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 female students at Al-Mashreq University, Jeddah Center, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, breast cancer risk factors, warning signs, screening knowledge, attitudes, BSE practice, and barriers. Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and responses. Chi-square tests assessed associations between knowledge level and sociodemographic variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Most participants were aged 20 to <25 years (148/215, 68.8%), single (206/215, 95.8%), and had no family history of breast cancer (169/215, 78.6%). Overall, 115 students (53.5%) had good knowledge, 65 (30.2%) moderate knowledge, and 35 (16.3%) poor knowledge. Although 179 students (83.3%) had heard of BSE, only 69 (32.1%) practised it, and only 27 (12.6%) reported monthly practice. The most common barriers were lack of knowledge (82/215, 38.1%), forgetfulness (53/215, 24.7%), and fear of discovering an abnormality (40/215, 18.6%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with age, college, academic year, and family history of breast cancer. Conclusion: Female students showed acceptable breast cancer awareness but inadequate BSE practice. Structured, practical, and culturally sensitive breast health education is needed to convert awareness into sustained early-detection behaviour.