Family Medicine & Primary Care Review
eISSN: 2449-8580
ISSN: 1734-3402
Family Medicine & Primary Care Review
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1/2025
vol. 27
 
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abstract:
Review paper

Awareness of cervical cancer screening methods in Saudi Arabia, a systematic review

Latifah Alnami
1
,
Sarah Almulhim
1
,
Maryam Almulhim
1
,
Fatimah Alnasser
1
,
Tahani Alrubayya
1
,
Majd Alhumaidhan
1
,
Abdullah Almaqhawi
2

  1. College of Medicine, King Faisal University (medical student), Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
  2. Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
Family Medicine & Primary Care Review 2025; 27(1): 101–107
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/fmpcr.2025.146976
Online publish date: 2025/03/26
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Background
Gaps exist in the knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer screening (CCS) methods in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives
To compile data on women’s awareness of CCS methods, as well as the factors impacting awareness levels of CCS methods in different locations.

Material and methods
The study conducted a systematic review of literature from 2019 to 2024 on cervical cancer screening awareness among women in Saudi Arabia. Databases including PubMed, Medline, SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science were searched using relevant Mesh terms. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards cervical cancer screening. The Rayyan QCRI was used throughout the operation.

Results
The review encompassed 20 studies with 14,017 participants, predominantly female (13,603, 97%). Most healthcare workers (HCWs) demonstrated good knowledge of CCS, linked to their education level, job title, and living conditions. However, misconceptions about symptoms and risk factors contributed to non-adherence to screening protocols among HCWs. For the general population, 10 out of 16 studies indicated low awareness of CCS, with most women unaware of the Pap smear as a screening method. Barriers to CCS included preferences for female physicians, treatment costs, embarrassment, and fear of negative results.

Conclusions
Knowledge regarding CCS among Saudi HCWs is good; however, they had false beliefs and myths about cervical cancer (CC), requiring correction. In the general population, the majority of the Saudi population is not adequately aware of CC and CCS, and their attitudes towards CCS are overwhelmingly negative.

keywords:

cervical cancer, Saudi Arabia, human papillomavirus (HPV), mass screening

  
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