Knowledge of breast cancer and practice of self-breast examination among female undergraduates in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, and in Nigeria the incidence of the disease has increased over the last two decades. Breast self-examination (BSE) is still the most important way of detecting the disease. Therefore, the study aimed at determining the level of knowledge and attitude of breast cancer and practice of BSE among female undergraduate students. Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 401 female students that were selected by cluster sampling technique, data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analysis done using Stata Version 10. Results: The level of awareness of breast cancer and BSE was high among the respondents, 99% and 91.3 % respectively; but the knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer was poor. Breast lump was a well-known symptom of breast cancer. Just 20% of the respondents knew the correct time BSE should be done, and 4% had a good knowledge of BSE, the practice of BSE was poor, only 9% of them carried it out monthly; majority of the respondents (88%) said they will seek help immediately if they observed breast lump, and 80% were willing to know more about breast cancer. Seven percent of the respondents had previous history of lumps and 6% had first or second degree relation with breast cancer. Conclusions: There is a need for appropriate educational programme in order to improve knowledge of breast cancer and practice of BSE among the students for early detection and control of the disease.