Men's knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer in Saudi Arabia a cross sectional study

To identify men's knowledge and attitude towards early detection of breast cancer. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Five hundred and fifty participants were selected by systemic randomization. The distributed questionnaire included: demographics, knowledge and its source on breast cancer, beliefs and practice regarding breast self-examination [BSE], mammography, and difficulties that may prevent women from seeking medical help. The questionnaire was filled anonymously and in private. The response rate was 90.9%, and most were employees [63.2%]. Physicians represented 43.4% of the source of knowledge, followed by the internet [40.4%], and last, the media [30.4%]. Breast mass was the most common symptom [36.6%], followed by change of breast size [26%] and pain [20.2%], while 24% did not know the symptoms of breast cancer. Approximately 13% believed that all cases of breast cancer ended with mastectomy. Only 57.6% were aware of the importance of BSE in early detection of breast cancer, and approximately 90% did not know the importance of mammography. Awareness campaigns aimed at husbands and men in general are to be strongly considered. They should encourage their wives and families to enroll in awareness and screening campaigns.

knowledge of breast cancer among young Saudi females

To assess the breast cancer knowledge level of Saudi female school students. A detailed questionnaire on cancer breast was designed with all the needed information. Using a map of the Jeddah area of Saudi Arabia, schools were identified in each area and permission was sought from the Ministry of Education to distribute the questionnaire to the students. A team of volunteers was instructed on how to distribute and collect the questionnaires. The collected questionnaires were then statistically analyzed. This Pilot study of 500 students was performed in King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital using high schools from the city of Jeddah between April and June 2009. The results were used to build up a base for designing a community educational program. Analysis of the data from 337 questionnaires from high school and college students showed that the level of knowledge of young females on breast cancer is limited. However, it also indicated that the students are very enthusiastic to learn about cancer breast, and its prevention. The limited knowledge level of breast cancer in the younger generation might be an obstacle to screening programs and early diagnosis. Awareness programs should be developed including lectures, seminars workshops, and on hands training

Health care provider's role in facing the future burden of breast cancer in Saudi

To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care professionals on the early detection of breast cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah and Abha regions of Saudi Arabia from May to November 2009. A detailed questionnaire was distributed to 500 doctors from different hospitals. The questionnaire contained items on the practice of clinical breast examination and mammogram examination, and the doctor's perception of their roles in education. The results of 337 questionnaires analyzed indicated that most health care professionals do not practice clinical breast examination and mammography, and the perception of their roles in education is not as expected. Health care providers are one of the main barriers in improving early detection of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. There is need to increase awareness among health care providers of their role in the fight against breast cancer through focused education and training programs

Acute puerperal inversion of the uterus

To report on rare cases and discuss their various clinical presentations and different modalities of treatment. King Abdulaziz University Hospital, and Maternity and Children's Hospital, Jeddah. Patients delivered during the period 1980-1990. Retrospective analysis of patients' data and treatment modalities as collected from their files. Eight cases of acute puerperal inversion of the uterus were encountered among 133 644 deliveries giving an approximate prevalence of one in 16 505. Common presenting features were haemorrhage, shock and a mass protruding through the vulva. The difficulty in diagnosis is signified by the fact that two cases were of the incomplete type and in one case the mass protruding through the vulva was mistaken for the placenta. Six of the cases were managed by manual replacement under general anaesthesia; immediate replacement was successful in one case and one was managed by hydrostatic replacement. Acute puerperal inversion of the uterus is a rare obstetrical emergency. A high index of suspicion is needed in cases of unexplained haemorrhage or postpartum collapse. Immediate recognition and replacement are the cornerstone of management

Hormones in premenstrual syndrome

Twenty patients with Premenstrual Syndrome [PMS] and eighteen control subjects were studied to determine whether estrogen, progesterone, or prolactin hormone levels are associated with PMS. Blood samples were collected 7-10 days before the menstrual cycle. There was no significant differences between the two groups [P>0.1] indicating the endocrine effect during the luteal phase which do not directly generate the symptoms of PMS