Factors Affecting Mammography Screening Utilization among Educated Women in Al Beheira Governorate, Egypt

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in women worldwide and is increasing particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in late stages. Early detection at an early stage by mammography screening leads to better prognosis and improves the survival rate for this malignancy. The aim of the study was to analyze factors that affect mammography screening utilization among educated women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 700 educated women aged 40 years and older were included in a community-based cross-sectional interview survey that was conducted in between June 2017 and August 2018 in Al Beheira governorate Egypt. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression revealed that lack of knowledge about mammography (odds ratio [OR] = 9.8), education level (OR = 6.0), employment status (OR = 3.5), cancer fatalism (OR = 3.0), residence (OR = 2.8), fear of embarrassment (OR = 2.6, fear of positive result (OR = 2.4), family income (OR = 1.9), and health insurance (OR = 1.8) were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of mammography screening utilization. CONCLUSION: Mammography utilization screening rate is low. Lack of knowledge about mammography, cultural norms, and socioeconomic factors were barriers to mammography screening.