Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge, attitude, awareness, and practice related to breast self-examination (BSE) among female university students in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 208 female students from various colleges. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.
Results: The mean age of participants was 20.84 years (SD = 1.29). Most students were from the College of Applied Medical Sciences (69.7%) and were in their third academic year (49%). Awareness of BSE was high (82.2%), and 91.8% agreed that BSE facilitates early detection of breast cancer (BC). Knowledge was rated as excellent in 42.3% of students, while 76.9% demonstrated excellent attitudes. However, only 5.8% achieved excellent scores in awareness, and just 37% correctly identified key warning signs such as lumps, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge, indicating limited in-depth awareness. Although 75.5% reported no family history of BC, 58.7% had never practiced BSE, often citing lack of knowledge and fear as barriers. Encouragingly, 81.7% expressed willingness to learn. A significant association was found between knowledge levels and BSE practice (mean score = 18.76, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: While female university students showed generally positive knowledge and attitudes toward BSE, actual practice remained low. These findings underscore the need for structured BSE education and training within university curricula to promote early detection behaviors.

Key words: Breast self-examination, knowledge, awareness, practice, Saudi Arabia