Analysing Breast Cancer Screening Trends in Rural Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 Context.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading cancer in Saudi Arabia, with lower screening rates in rural areas.
• The Bisha region, a rural area, faces challenges in breast cancer screening accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the National Health Screening and Treatment Program (NHSTP) on breast cancer screening and diagnosis in Bisha.
• To assess changes in screening rates and early detection following NHSTP implementation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 2023 data from Bisha Health Directorate and Ministry of Health (MOH) screening dashboard.
• Comparison of pre- and post-NHSTP implementation data from 2017-2023.
• Analysis of screening facility infrastructure and national benchmarks.

Main Results:

• Breast cancer screening coverage in Bisha reached 88.6% in 2023, a substantial increase from 2022.
• Diagnosed cases rose from 45 in 2022 to 88 in 2023, with prevalence decreasing to 1.2% due to broader screening.
• Mammography devices doubled from 3 to 6 between 2021 and 2023.

Conclusions:

• The NHSTP has demonstrably improved breast cancer screening and early diagnosis rates in Bisha.
• Establishment of new facilities and program implementation led to increased utilization of screening services.