Saudi Women’s Experiences, Barriers, and Facilitators when Accessing Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Services

Background: Breast cancer is considered the most common cancer among females followed by cancers of the cervix, lung, and stomach. Its mortality can be avoided by early detection.
Aim: This thesis aimed to explore Saudi women’s barriers facilitators and experiences, when accessing breast and cervical cancer screening services in the United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia. Methods: A mixed method approach was used to fulfil the thesis objectives. A quantitative questionnaire was administered to 503 Saudi women living in the United Kingdom and in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was followed up by a qualitative study using seven focus groups discussions. Results: Survey and focus groups provided some consistent findings regarding Saudi women’s perceptions, knowledge, beliefs of the barriers and facilitators in accessing both breast and cervical cancer screening services in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Fear of having cancer and lack of knowledge of the importance of early detection, particularly in cervical cancer were major findings with regard to barriers to attend screening services. However, being employed and highly educated was correlated with better knowledge and awareness of the signs, symptoms, and treatment of both breast and cervical cancer. Participants shared their responsibilities with health professionals and the structure of the health system in the arrangement of early screening of breast and cervical cancers. Additionally, they suggested the role of media, education, and use of places such as mosques in disseminating information about the importance of early cancer detection. Conclusion: While the data reported in this thesis are encouraging, rich and diverse, conclusions must be drawn with caution. Important barriers included health and cultural beliefs and attitudes, language and unsupportive attitudes of health professionals. A majority of Saudi participants believed educational programs would increase breast and cervical cancer awareness and knowledge and use of screening services.
The health belief model was utilized to structure and explain the thesis findings and analysis.