Introduction: Breast cancer counts up to 20% of all cancers among female Saudi population. Surgery is always the first and foremost way of curing breast cancer. In consequences, breast reconstruction (BR) is a known suitable option for females and males who undergone mastectomy. A survey that was distributed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that almost 80% of female are unaware of the availability of options regarding the wide range of breast reconstruction post-mastectomy. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the knowledge and perception of breast reconstruction after mastectomy among Saudi population.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 27 28, 2018. via an interview-based questionnaire from breast reconstruction campaign attendees at Teatro Mall, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was composed of 17 questions divided into two main parts: demographics and questions related to the effect of breast reconstruction. Study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and the Research Ethics Committee of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.
Results: Out of 234 participants, (65.8%) were female, with a mean age 31.8±13.2 years. More than half 136 (58.1%) had bachelor's Degree. The majority 178 (76.1%) stated that Breast reconstruction can restore the appearance of the breast close to its preoperative state and Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is better than leaving a woman with no breast were true (89, 76.1%) and (106, 90.6%), while 146 (62.8%) stated that Breast reconstruction could conceal the recurrence of breast cancer as false.
Conclusion: Our results have shown that for many of the Saudi population lack of knowledge and misinformation regarding breast reconstruction. Spreading awareness and providing accurate information regarding the procedure will allow breast cancer patients to overcome the anxiety and fear associated with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.
Key words: Breast Reconstruction, Awareness, Perception, General Population, Mastectomy, Saudi
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