Outcomes of the Saudi breast cancer early detection program: a nine-year analysis (2012-2020).

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to report the preliminary outcome of the Saudi breast cancer early detection program (SBCEDP).

Methods: Mammography screens were done for Saudi women (age 40-69 years old) who participated in the SBCEDP from April 2012 to December 2020. Independent double-blind reading of the mammograms was performed by two radiologists. Analysis of age at diagnosis, cancer characteristics, and available screening indicators will be reported within this timeframe.

Results: Among 72,774 screened women, 504 had breast cancer cases, yielding a cancer detection rate of 6.93 per 1000 screened women. DCIS detection rate was 0.87 per1000 screened women (n = 63). Mean age at diagnosis was 53.61 years (SD = 8.85) and the majority women had fatty breast tissue (A and B, 65%). Luminal A subtype was predominant (N = 58.6%), whereas triple-negative breast cancers constituted about 12.6% of cases. Estrogen and progesterone positivity was common (more than 65% of cases). Early and localized breast cancer was reported among 28% and 45.8% of women, respectively. Lesions mean size was 23.88 mm and mastectomy rate was 54.2%.

Conclusion: Although not all screening indicators were available, the SBCEDP demonstrates encouraging results, with notable rates of early-stage diagnosis. Continuous evaluation and improvement of screening strategies are essential for further enhancing the program effectiveness in reducing breast cancer mortality and morbidity among Saudi women.