Promoting Awareness and Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabia

Author

Latifa Alkuwaiz, Loyola Marymount University

Date of Award

Fall October 2016

Access Restriction

Campus Access only Research Projects

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Systems Engineering

School or College

Seaver College of Science and Engineering

First Advisor

Arnold Galloway

Abstract

Breast Cancer is a disease that threatens the health of women throughout the world. It is the leading type of cancer among women, both throughout the world and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Early detection is critical to lowering the mortality rate for incidences of breast cancer, as the rate of mortality increases as the disease progresses. Research has identified that developed countries have been more effective at detecting breast cancer incidence at earlier stages of the disease, which has led to lower mortality due to current medical technologies and intervention. Undeveloped countries have been less successful and tend to identify breast cancer incidence in later stages of the disease, where the rate of mortality is dramatically higher. KSA however it has been unsuccessful at early detection of breast cancer. There are a variety of reasons that explain this, which can include lack of a national breast cancer screening program, lack of public education and awareness, cultural and societal factors, and lack of participation due to inability to meet the needs of participants.

The goal of this project is to improve health outcomes of breast cancer incidence, by lowering the risk of mortality due to early detection of the disease and improvements to the public's understanding and awareness of the risks and factors related to the disease. This project uses a systems approach to this problem, using systems engineering principles to design and specify an optimal system solution that meets the needs of users and key stakeholders. Systems Engineering (SE) is used to ensure progress and guide the process of designing and implementing an optimal system solution.

Recommended Citation

Alkuwaiz, Latifa, "Promoting Awareness and Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabia" (2016). LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations. 344.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/344