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

RESUMO

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