Community-Based Assessment of Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Practices Among Adult Women in Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide and a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, where cases are increasingly diagnosed at younger ages and advanced stages. Early detection through screening is essential to improve survival outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and screening practices related to breast cancer among women in Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 adult women residing in Hafar Al-Batin using a self-administered electronic questionnaire distributed via social media and healthcare networks. The survey assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms, and screening practices, including mammography and clinical breast examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests applied to examine associations between knowledge, practices, and socio-demographic factors. Results: Most participants (97.8%) had heard about breast cancer, and 79.1% reported receiving health education. However, only 17.5% had ever undergone mammography screening, and 22.1% had received a clinical breast examination. Higher education and a positive family history were significantly associated with better knowledge levels (p

Breast cancer · Breast cancer awareness · Breast cancer screening · Breast self-examination · Cancer · Cancer screening · Health education · Mammography · Outreach · Cancer Risks and Factors · Digital Radiography and Breast Imaging · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening