USING GAIL MODEL FOR BREAST CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT OF SAUDI FEMALES LIVING AT NATIONAL GUARD RESIDENTIAL CITY, JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: The primary reason for cancer death in women worldwide is breast cancer. It is also the most prevalent cancer in Saudi Arabia. The risk factors for breast cancer development have been divided into modifiable, which can be prevented, and non modifiable risks. Factors such as menarche at early age and family history of breast cancer are nonmodifiable risks, while lifestyle-related behaviors such as dietary habits, physical activity, smoking, or secondhand smoke are modifiable. Risk assessment tools for breast cancer are used to give patients a degree of their level of risk to better-recommended screening tests. It is also informative for the women about the behaviors they should modify to lower the risk. The Gail Model is the best online available tool to estimate the breast cancer risk for early prevention. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 144 Saudi females is conducted. Females aged 35 – 70-year-old, who lives at the National Guard residential city in Jeddah were included. Through home visits, females were interviewed, and an individualized risk assessment was made. Body Breast cancer determinants were collected, and the Mass Index was calculated for each participant. According to the result, specific health education regarding breast cancer prevention and screening was provided for all females who participated in the study. Results: This study revealed that Saudi females have many protective factors against breast cancer, such as multiparity (60%), late age menarche (71%), and breastfeeding (47%). Age and family history (11%) are significant nonmodifiable determinants of breast cancer in our population. On the other hand, other factors related to a sedentary lifestyle such as Obesity (21%) and secondhand smoke (43%) can be modified. Conclusion: Primary prevention of modifiable risk factors is essential for reducing the breast cancer burden. Raising awareness regarding early detection and screening is necessary.