Alsalamh Reem, Al-Harbi Faisal A, Alotaibi Rawan T, Al-Harbi Omar N, Alshahrani Nada, Alfadhel Saleh M, Fatani Eyad R, Al-Harbi Abdulaziz, Lasloom Razan A, Alzahrani Rayan M
Surgery, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU.
Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU.
Cureus. 2024 Jul 22;16(7):e65103. doi: 10.7759/cureus.65103. eCollection 2024 Jul.
Breast cancer is a significant public health concern globally, and early detection through screening programs can improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates. However, the uptake of breast cancer screening among women in Saudi Arabia is hindered by various barriers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the barriers to breast cancer screening among women in Saudi Arabia, providing insights into the multifaceted challenges hindering screening uptake and informing tailored interventions and policy recommendations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across electronic databases and grey literature sources to identify relevant studies on barriers to breast cancer screening in Saudi Arabia. Studies conducted between 2017 and 2023, employing diverse settings and methodologies, were included in the analysis. Data on the prevalence of barriers, family history of breast cancer, and self-reported breast examination practices were extracted and synthesized. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse populations and methodologies. The included studies predominantly employed cross-sectional survey designs and targeted various populations across different regions of Saudi Arabia. The barriers to breast cancer screening were investigated, revealing concerns such as fear of discovering cancer, embarrassment due to breast-related tests, fear of pain related to clinical examination, and lack of awareness. Additionally, a substantial proportion of participants reported a family history of breast cancer, indicating a significant risk factor for the disease. Self-reported breast examination practices varied among participants, with disparities in screening behaviors observed. Our review identified fear of diagnosis, embarrassment, and lack of awareness as key barriers to breast cancer screening in Saudi Arabia. Targeted interventions, including education and improved access, are essential to address these challenges and enhance early detection efforts, reducing the burden of breast cancer.
乳腺癌是全球重大的公共卫生问题，通过筛查项目进行早期检测可改善治疗效果并降低死亡率。然而，沙特阿拉伯女性乳腺癌筛查的参与率受到各种障碍的阻碍。本系统综述和荟萃分析旨在阐明沙特阿拉伯女性乳腺癌筛查的障碍，深入了解阻碍筛查参与的多方面挑战，并为量身定制的干预措施和政策建议提供依据。我们在电子数据库和灰色文献来源中进行了全面的文献检索，以确定有关沙特阿拉伯乳腺癌筛查障碍的相关研究。纳入分析的研究为2017年至2023年期间开展的，采用了不同的环境和方法。提取并综合了有关障碍患病率、乳腺癌家族史和自我报告的乳房检查做法的数据。共有14项研究符合纳入标准，涵盖了不同人群和方法。纳入的研究主要采用横断面调查设计，针对沙特阿拉伯不同地区的各种人群。对乳腺癌筛查的障碍进行了调查，发现了诸如害怕发现癌症、因乳房相关检查而感到尴尬、害怕临床检查带来的疼痛以及缺乏认识等问题。此外，相当一部分参与者报告有乳腺癌家族史，这表明该疾病存在一个重要的风险因素。参与者自我报告的乳房检查做法各不相同，筛查行为存在差异。我们的综述确定，害怕诊断、尴尬和缺乏认识是沙特阿拉伯乳腺癌筛查的关键障碍。有针对性的干预措施，包括教育和改善可及性，对于应对这些挑战和加强早期检测工作、减轻乳腺癌负担至关重要。
