Breast Cancer Knowledge and Awareness among University Students in Angola

BACKGROUND:The high breast cancer mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa has been attributed to a lack of public awareness of the disease which often leads to late diagnosis of the disease. Little is known about the level of knowledge and awareness of breast cancer in Angola. Previous studies have shown that breast cancer awareness is higher among well-educated people. The goal of this study was to assess breast cancer knowledge and awareness among university students in Angola.METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of university students using a self-administered questionnaire to investigate participants' awareness and knowledge of breast cancer. A total of 595 university students in medical and non-medical programs successfully completed the survey. RESULTS: Our results showed insufficient knowledge of breast cancer among university students in Angola irrespective of whether they were in medical or non-medical programs. The majority of the participants were not aware of some of the early signs of breast cancer such as change in color or shape of the nipple; even though they appreciated the need for monthly breast self-examination. Overall most of the participants indicated the need for increased breast cancer awareness among university students.CONCLUSION: The study points to the insufficient knowledge of university students in Angola about breast cancer. We expect that our results may provide useful data that may be used by the department of health in Angola and other African countries to formulate health education programs aimed at increasing awareness and promote screening and early detection of breast cancer in the continent

Knowledge and Practice of Breast-Self Examination among Female Undergraduate Students of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; Northwestern Nigeria

Background: Carcinoma of the breast is an important public health problem in Nigeria and studies have reported low levels of awareness and practice of breast self examination as an important method of prevention. Breast self examination is a cost-effective method of early detection of cancer of the breast especially in resource poor countries. We assessed knowledge and practice of breast-self examination (BSE) among female undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; Nigeria. Method: In this study; knowledge and practice of BSE were examined among 221 female students aged 16 - 28 years old studying at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria using self administered questionnaires. Results: It was found that despite nearly three quarter of the respondents (87.7) had heard of BSE; only 19.0of them were performing this examination monthly. Regarding the sources of information about BSE among respondents; media was found to be most common followed by health workers accounting for 45.5and 32.2respectively. Regular performance of BSE was significantly correlated with duration of stay in the University (X2 = 81.9; df = 3; P .05) and family history of breast cancer (X2

Knowledge Attitude and Practice about Breast Cancer among Civil Servants in Benin City; Nigeria

Background: Breast cancer is often associated with severe morbidity and mortality especially when the patients present late. A major reason why patients present late is the lack of awareness about breast cancer; its complications and the management. Methods: The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire. A total of 400 female civil servants were enlisted in the study; but only 385 respondents completed and returned the forms. Results: Two hundred and seventy seven (72.0) respondents had tertiary level of education. Sixty six (17.1) respondents were in the 30-34-year age group. Three hundred and twelve (81.0) respondents knew correctly that breast lump is usually the first symptom of presentation of breast cancer. One hundred and forty four (37.5) respondents knew that a positive family history of breast cancer is a risk factor; while two hundred and seventy four (71.2) respondents answered that cancer of one breast in a woman increases her chances of having cancer of the other breast. Three hundred and twenty one (83.4) respondents knew that breast cancer could spread from one breast to the other and two hundred and thirty (59.7) knew that breast cancer could spread to other parts of the body. One hundred and eighty three (47.5) respondents would visit the hospital as the first reaction if they were to detect a breast lump; while twenty three (6.0) respondents would ignore the lump. While three hundred and twenty seven (85.0) respondents have heard of breast self- examination; only one hundred (26.0) could correctly describe the procedure of breast self -examination. While one hundred and thirty five (35.0) respondents have heard of mammography; only twenty seven (7) respondents go for yearly mammography screening. Three hundred and seventy two (96.6) respondents know that mastectomy is done as part of the management of breast cancer; but only forty nine (12.7) respondents have heard about conservative surgery. Conclusion: The level of awareness about breast cancer among civil servants in Benin City is low. There is the need to organize series of health education programs to enlighten the women about breast cancer. This can be done by government agencies or the non-governmental organizations. If properly executed; it may influence the attitude of women in Benin City about breast diseases and encourage early presentation to the hospital

Benign Breast Masses in Nigeria

A 5-year retrospective review of all benign breast masses was carried out at the Baptist Medical Center; Eku; Delta State between January 1st 2001 and December 31st 2005. Benign breast masses made up 72.64of breast biopsies; 96.10were females; with age ranged between 13 and 66 years (mean 28.8years). Fibroadenoma was most common (68.83) and the sizes ranged from 1cm to 14cm with mean of 3.66cm. This study shows that benign breast masses are common in this environment and encourages self-breast examination and clinical breast examination

Breast Cancer: Early Detection and Screening in South African Women from the Bonteheuwel Township in the Western Cape: Knowledge; Attitudes and Practices

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers; rating among the most frequent causes of mortality in women worldwide; including in South Africa. Although curative treatment is increasingly successful; early detection and intervention are critical in reducing mortality rates. Early diagnosis is facilitated via breast self-examination (BSE); clinical breast examination (CBE); and mammography. Breast cancer presentation shows an apparent racial variation; with black; coloured and Indian patients presenting at a younger age than whites. In addition; whites tend to present at earlier stages of disease severity; coloureds and Indians at more intermediate stages and blacks at later stages. Socio-economic variables impact on screening practices. One American/Canadian study showed women with higher education and incomes were more likely to receive screening. In South Africa; there is scant research on breast cancer screening. In 2001; Prof. Karl Peltzer of the University of the North did a small telephonic comparative study between black and white women that identified low frequencies of BSE in both groups. Further research is necessary. While several international studies exist; little research is available on the screening behaviour of South African women. The aim of this study; therefore; was to evaluate the knowledge; attitudes; and actual screening practices regarding breast cancer among women in the Bonteheuwel township in the Western Cape.Methods: A random sample of 100 women completed a questionnaire administered by a research assistant. A separate; selected group of nine women participated in a focus group discussion.Results: The results indicate that the majority of the participants were aware of the dangers of breast cancer; perceived as a common (87; 95 CI: 80) and serious (88; 95 CI: 82-94) disease; which; if treated early; could be cured in most cases (82; 95 CI: 74-90). Most had previously examined their breasts (65; 95 CI: 56-74) and/or had been examined by their doctors (62; 95CI: 52-72). Only a minority; however; practised regular BSE (24; 95 CI: 16) or had received a CBE in the last year (29-32 ; 95 CI: 20-38). Fear of diagnosis was identified as the main barrier to screening (87; 95 CI: 80-94). Despite their fears; the participants were keen to improve their knowledge and participate in the further education of their community. However; only 40 (95 CI: 30-50) had ever been taught BSE by a healthcare professional. Moreover; only 34 (95 CI: 25-43) of women who had consulted a GP in the preceding year had received a CBE during this period. A total of 38 (95 CI: 28-48) had never had a CBE in their lives.Conclusion: The participants were better informed and more engaged in screening than had been anticipated. Still; healthcare professionals need to play a more proactive role in breast cancer screening and education

Status of Breast Self Examination Among Health Professsional Of Abia State University Teaching Hospital

Breast self-examination (BSE) is recommended for breast cancer screening but most Nigerian women do not perform BSE regularly. Breast cancer; a significant cause of mortality; can often be detected in an early stage. This may be achieved by mammography; physical examination by skilled practitioners or through breast self-examination. In this preliminary study; we present the responses received on breast self-examination among health professionals at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital; Aba; Abia State. One hundred questionaires were distributed to final year female medical students; house officers interns; pharmacists and nurses. Out of the 100 dstributed; respondents were 94 (94). Among the 94 it was found out that 79 (84) practice Breast self-examination; but the number that examine their breast monthly was only 45 (47.9). With this low level of monthly breast self-examination; there is the need to create the awareness and encourage the regular monthly practice. Among the repondents 74 (78.7) knew the gravity of breast cancer