Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 12, No. 2, 2014
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/4102.21.0201
Breast Cancer Screening Among. Women in Northern Nigeria: What We Know and What We Do
JustinaAbba Evans, Olufunke Fayehun and Vitalis Ukoji
Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer which occurs rapidly among women in the developing countries that previously enjoyed low incidence of the disease. Nigerian women experience advanced stages of breast cancer when little or no benefit can be derived from any form of therapy. This study, therefore, examined what women know and do on breast cancer screening in Kaduna state of Northern Nigeria. Four hundred (400) women between ages 20-60 years with no diagnosis of breast cancel; from five selected ward clusters around Sabon Gari Local Government Area in Kaduna were recruited for the study. Using questionnaires, complemented with 10 in-depth interviews, the study obtained information on knowledge and practices of breast cancer and screening. The study respondents are aware of breast cancer and major source of information is media and the Internet. However; 40% of the respondents had poor knowledge of signs and symptoms, risk factors and treatment options of breast cancer Practice of Breast Self Examination (BSE) Has high bur only 34.3% admitted to carrying out the procedure monthly. Twenty four percent of the respondents had Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) while 9% had done mammography. There is a positive significant relationship (p<0.001) between what women know and do about breast cancer screening. indicating poor knowledge of breast cancer resulting to low practice of the screening among the respondents. There is the need to introduce strategies by the government and policy makers to improve healthcare services that call enable women access the health facilities for breast cancer screening. Male role should also be incorporated into the mainstream of cancer awareness campaigns especially in Northern Nigeria
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Knowledge, Self Examination, Clinical Breast Examination, and Mammography.