Knowledge; Attitudes; Beliefs; Behaviour and Breast Cancer Screening Practices in Ghana; West Africa

ABSTRACT

Background: Late presentation has been observed as the hallmark of breast cancer in Ghanaian women where over 60 of patients report with either stage 3 or 4 of the disease. This cross-sectional study aimed at exploring breast cancer related knowledge and practices in order to develop an appropriate socio-economic and cultural specific model to improve breast cancer care in Ghana. Methods: The study which was conducted in Accra and Sunyani in Ghana used both quantitative and qualitative methods and employed the theory of planned behavior as a communication and educational model. Information was collected from 474 women using questionnaires. In addition semi-structured interviews were conducted on 10 breast cancer patients; 10 breast clinic attendants; 3 Oncology Consultants and 2 herbalists. Results: Generally; the respondents displayed knowledge deficit about the disease. However; higher levels of education was associated with better appreciation of the disease (rs =0.316; N= 465; p 0.001). The respondents' attitudes include fear of the disease which was linked to death in most cases; denial and guilt; as well as supernatural attributes. The self-reported breast cancer screening rate (BSE 32; CBE 12 and mammogram 2) was poor; however; higher educational of the respondents was very significant for breast cancer screening practices. Conclusion: The study found that routine mammography screening is not feasible in Ghana at the moment which therefore requires a different approach: