Myths and Misconceptions of Breast Cancer Causation among Female Population of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among women in Saudi Arabia, yet public awareness remains limited. Given the significant influence of health beliefs on behavior, this study investigated the prevalence of myths surrounding breast cancer causation in the Western region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the modified Cancer Awareness Measure Mythical Causes Scale, a validated tool assessing misconceptions about breast cancer. Participants working in healthcare were excluded to better capture public perceptions. An online questionnaire collected socio-demographic data and assessed breast cancer myths. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed the associations between knowledge and socio-demographic factors, with p-values ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: 470 adult women were included in the study. Only 13.2% demonstrated a good level of awareness, correctly identifying ten or more myths. In univariate analysis, young (p = 0.02), single (p = 0.01), and unemployed (p = 0.01) women or knowing someone with breast cancer (p = 0.04) were associated with higher awareness of breast cancer myths. Commonly unrecognized myths included psychological stress (63%), exposure to electromagnetic frequencies (47.7%), food additives or artificial sweeteners (46.8%), living in industrial cities (46.4%), and undergoing breast plastic surgery (46.2%). Notably, women with lower recognition of myths were more likely to believe mammograms could cause breast cancer (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study highlights widespread misconceptions about breast cancer causation among our sample. Educational programs are essential to debunk myths and foster evidence-based awareness in clinical and public environments.