Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

12-2017

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Epidemiology

First Committee Member

Dr. Amr Soliman

Second Committee Member

Dr. Jane Meza

Third Committee Member

Dr. Wahid Al Kharusi

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Robert Chamberlain

Abstract

Background: Most breast cancers in Oman are diagnosed at advanced stages and therefore early detection is important. The Oman Cancer Association (OCA) initiated a mobile mammography program in 2009 but no studies have evaluated the impact of the program. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of OCA-screened women who had repeated mammography (compliance) and the associated predictors. The sensitivity and specificity of the program were also evaluated.

Methods: Data for 13,079 women screened in the mammography clinic of OCA from 2009-2016 and medical records of all breast cancer patients seen at Royal and Sultan Qaboos University hospitals during the same period were retrieved and abstracted. Data included demographics and screening results from OCA and diagnosis and treatment from the two hospitals. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of compliance.

Results: A total of 8,278 screened women over age 42 years were in the study (median age 50 years, standard deviation (SD) 8 years). Only 18% of screened women were compliant with mammography screening. Predictors of compliance included age 50-69 years, family history of cancer, family history of breast cancer, and breast self-examination. The cancer detection rate was 4.1/1000 screened women. Positive predictive value of screening mammography was 4.7% with a sensitivity rate of 53% and specificity of 92%.

Conclusion: This study showed low mammography compliance rate among previously screened women. The study revealed low sensitivity, high specificity, and acceptable cancer detection rate. Future programs should focus on improving data collection for screened women, initiating linkage of databases between breast cancer screening and treatment clinics, and developing guidelines and policies for breast cancer screening in Oman.

Included in

Epidemiology Commons

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