# Barriers to Utilizing Breast Cancer Screening Methods Among Adult Females in Taif, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study explores why adult women in Taif, Saudi Arabia, avoid breast cancer screening, finding that embarrassment and forgetfulness are major barriers.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific barriers to breast cancer screening methods in a specific Saudi population using a validated questionnaire.

## Key findings

- Only 4.7% of women reported regular mammography use, while 25.7% perform regular breast self-examinations.
- Embarrassment was the main barrier for clinical breast exams and mammography, while forgetfulness hindered self-exams.
- Participants showed high awareness of symptoms and risk factors but low screening rates.

## Abstract

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Screening methods for early detection have significantly reduced mortality rates and improved survival rates associated with this disease. The study presented in this paper aimed to identify the barriers to regular breast cancer screening methods for early detection among adult females in Taif City.

Objectives

This analytical cross-sectional study sought to identify the most prevalent barriers to the use of various breast cancer screening methods.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2024 and November 2024. A validated and pretested questionnaire was utilized for data collection after identifying the participants, who were women aged 18 years and older, residing in Taif City. An online questionnaire was sent out to these 405 females. The questionnaire comprised questions on the participants’ socio-demographic details, breast cancer-related background, and screening-related aspects that covered personal experiences, including those related to routine clinical breast examinations (CBEs), breast self-examinations (BSEs), and mammography. Pertinent questions-drawing on the modified champion health beliefs model scale (CHBMS)-were also included.

Results

Of the 405 women respondents from Taif, 4.7% reported undergoing mammography regularly, 7.9% indicated they undergo CBE regularly, and 25.7% stated they perform BSE regularly. The most commonly reported warning sign of breast cancer among participants was pain in one breast or axilla, noted by 73.3%. The most frequently identified risk factors were a previous history of breast cancer (67.7%) and having a close relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer (63.3%). The primary barrier to BSE was difficulty remembering to perform the examination, reported by 42.2% of participants. Conversely, the main barrier to CBE was embarrassment, cited by 37.3% of participants. The primary barriers preventing women from undergoing mammography were embarrassment (30.4%) and pain (17.8%).

Conclusion

Participants demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding breast cancer symptoms and risk factors; however, overall screening rates remain low. The study revealed several barriers preventing women from undergoing screening, including anxiety about BSE and some feeling embarrassed as regards CBE. There is, thus, an urgent need for a comprehensive approach to educate women about the importance of breast cancer screening. Educational programs to enhance awareness and encourage early detection are the need of the hour.