Breast Cancer Awareness and Mammogram Health Beliefs Associated with Mammogram Utilization Among Women in the Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, low mammography screening rates often lead to diagnoses at a late stage. Although some studies have addressed this issue, most have focused primarily on knowledge and have overlooked health beliefs. Objectives: This study examined the associations among mammogram utilization, breast cancer awareness, and health beliefs in Saudi women. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered online survey. Data were collected from women aged 40 years or older who resided in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. Logistic regression was used to examine associations among mammography utilization, breast cancer awareness, and health beliefs among Saudi women. Data collection started in January 2024 and ended in April 2024. Results: A total of 251 Saudi women participated. Overall, 29.5% reported ever having undergone mammography, and 13.9% had undergone mammography within the previous year. Awareness of breast cancer warning signs and risk factors significantly predicted both ever having undergone mammography and adherence to screening (OR = 2.499 and OR = 3.439), remaining significant after adjustment (OR = 2.036 and OR = 2.288). Perceived benefits of mammography also predicted ever having undergone mammography (OR = 2.351; P = 0.001) and remained significant after adjustment (OR = 1.870). Conclusions: An intervention is recommended to increase mammography utilization among Saudi women by improving breast cancer awareness and addressing health-related beliefs.