Mammography uptake among the female staff of King Saud University

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is having a major impact on women's health worldwide. Early detection is the best defense against the associated morbidity and mortality of the disease. OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of mammography uptake among working Saudi women and identify the obstacles and barriers that negatively affect it. In addition, to identify the most effective sources of breast-cancer-related information and early detection screening. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study of women employees of King Saud University aged 40 years and above on March–May 2015 using a self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 229 participants were recruited from the female staff of King Saud University. Of the participants, 34% were aged 41 years or above, approximately 66% were married, 53.3% had a bachelor's degree, and 61.1% worked as administrators; further, 64.6% had a history of breastfeeding. The rate of mammography uptake was 51.5%. Univariate logistic regression indicated that age, education, and being single predict the rate of mammography uptake. However, multivariate logistic regression indicated that earlier age significantly predicts a higher risk of a low rate of mammography uptake. The main obstacle negatively affecting mammography uptake was ineligible criteria (21.8%). The main sources of information regarding breast cancer were awareness campaigns and television and radio (45.4% and 43.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The participants' rate of mammography uptake, awareness of mammograms, the risk factors, and signs of breast cancer were low. To improve breast-cancer mortality rates in Saudi Arabia, earlier detection of breast cancer through increasing awareness of mammograms is of paramount importance.