Awareness, Attitudes, and Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening Among Breast Screening Health Education Week Attendees...

Breast cancer is among the leading causes of mortality in women globally, with a rising incidence in developing countries, including Saudi Arabia. Early detection through screening is essential for reducing the mortality rate among women. However, factors such as awareness, attitudes, and barriers significantly influence women's participation in screening programs, especially in resource-limited settings.

The aim of this study is to assess the awareness, attitudes, and barriers to breast cancer screening among breast cancer screening health education week attendees at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh.

The study was conducted during breast cancer screening health education week at King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, from October 13 to 17, 2024. A convenience sample of 277 women, aged 18-60, completed a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data on awareness, attitudes, and barriers related to breast cancer screening were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS Version 23.0.

Among the women surveyed, 63.5% showed a good level of awareness about breast cancer screening, with an average awareness score of 12.6 ± 5.5 out of 23. Positive attitudes toward screening were common, with 97.8% expressing supportive views (p = 0.045). Higher awareness levels were significantly associated with age (p = 0.003) and occupation (p = 0.001), while attitudes toward screening were significantly linked to education. The main barriers reported were lack of time (30.3%), difficulty accessing services (15.2%), and fear of the procedure (15.2%). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, any significant predictors of awareness and attitude toward breast cancer screening were not identified.

The study indicates a relatively high level of awareness and a positive attitude toward breast cancer screening among participants. However, significant barriers, including time constraints, accessibility challenges, and fear of the procedure, limit regular participation. To increase screening rates and reduce breast cancer mortality in Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to implement targeted awareness campaigns, enhance service accessibility, and provide continuous education through healthcare providers.