Attitudes, Behaviors, and Stigmatization toward Women with Breast Cancer among Saudi Arabian Men

Globally, breast cancer is the most frequent cancer to affect women. The death rate from breast cancer has dramatically dropped as a result of recent advancements in screening and therapy. The negative attitude that society has toward cancer patients, known as the stigma, keeps them from developing effective coping strategies. This study aimed to examine the attitudes of Saudi Arabian men, their behaviors, and their stigma toward females with breast cancer.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia between February 4 and March 31, 2024. Following a comprehensive pilot study involving 50 participants, the researchers developed and validated a pre-structured online questionnaire.

In total, 796 (68.2%) met the inclusion criteria and completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged between 18 and 60 years with a mean age of 31.6 ± 11.8 years old. Regarding educational level, 129 (23.8%) had a secondary level of education or below, and 403 (74.2%) were university students/graduates. Regarding males' attitudes toward females with breast cancer, the lowest score, indicating the most positive attitude, was reported for a section on cancer-related myths and preconceptions (1.4/5), followed by women's working ability (1.6/5), disease severity (1.8/5), and nervousness (2.1/5). Attitudes toward marriage and concealing showed the highest scores, indicating the lowest attitude and perception levels (2.3/5 for each). Men's score for attitude and stigma was 1.9 ± 0.6 of 5 (38%).

This study showed that educated men with sufficient knowledge about breast cancer showed positive attitudes and low stigma towards females with the disease.