Epidemiological trends and screening patterns of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia: A 17-year secondary data analysis (2001-2017)

Objectives Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among Saudi women, accounting for ∼30% of all female cancers. Despite the establishment of a national screening program in 2007, population-based screening uptake remains critically low. This study aimed to analyze temporal trends in breast cancer incidence, regional variations, age-specific patterns, and screening rates across Saudi Arabia from 2001 to 2017 to inform evidence-based public health interventions aligned with Vision 2030 health transformation goals. Material and Methods This retrospective secondary data analysis utilized publicly available aggregate data from the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) as the primary source, supplemented by GLOBOCAN 2022, Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, and National Saudi Health Interview Survey data for contextual comparison. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASR)/ 100,000 females were calculated using the world standard population. Joinpoint regression analysis was applied to determine annual percent change (APC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Regional variations across 13 administrative regions were examined. Temporal trends in screening rates and stage at diagnosis were analyzed. Statistical significance was defined as p <0.05. Results Based on SCR data, total breast cancer cases increased from 545 in 2001 to 2,463 in 2017, representing a 351.9% increase. The ASR increased from 11.8 to 29.7/100,000, a 151.7% rise with an APC of 5.13% (95% CI: 4.0-6.3, p <0.001). Median age at diagnosis increased from 48 to 51 years. The Eastern Region exhibited the highest ASR (52.2/100,000), while the Al-Baha Region showed the lowest (9.1/100,000). Females aged 70-74 years demonstrated the highest APC at 10.2% (95% CI: 7.2-13.4). National mammography screening rates remained at only 6.7-8.0% among eligible women aged 50-74 years. Approximately 55% of cases were diagnosed at regional or distant stages based on national registry data. Conclusion Breast cancer incidence in Saudi Arabia has increased substantially over 17 years, with significant regional disparities that may reflect both true epidemiological changes and improved case ascertainment. Despite an established screening infrastructure, uptake remains critically low compared to international standards. These findings support urgent intensification of early detection programs, targeted interventions in high-incidence regions, and addressing sociocultural barriers to screening participation as key components of the National Cancer Control Plan under Vision 2030.