Investigating women's motivations to engage in early mammography screening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health problem among women worldwide, as its high incidence and mortality rates make it the most diagnosed malignancy and the primary cause of death in females. This study aims to identify and evaluate strategies for engaging women in mammography screening in Saudi Arabia.

This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and October 2024. Data were collected, reviewed, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26 (Released 2019, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp).

A total of 670 residents of Riyadh participated in the study. Most women had previously undergone a mammogram, with 77 (38.3%) having had it performed annually and 98 (48.8%) having had it performed irregularly. The most frequently reported barriers included fear or anxiety about the screening process (53.7%), concerns about radiation exposure (39.7%), lack of awareness or knowledge about the mammographic procedure (28.5%), embarrassment or discomfort during the procedure (27.2%), lack of time or inconvenient scheduling (25.1%), and financial constraints or lack of insurance coverage (21%). Early detection of breast cancer was the most reported factor (71.5%), followed by the perceived risk of developing breast cancer (51.2%), recommendations from healthcare providers (35.1%), and awareness campaigns and educational programs (34.2%).

Despite high awareness, participation in mammography among women in Riyadh remains low due to psychological and practical barriers. Strengthening education, promoting culturally sensitive communication, and improving accessibility could increase early screening uptake and reduce breast cancer morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia.