Awareness of mammography and breast self-examination: a survey

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness of the women in Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria about breast cancer, mammography and breast self-examination (BSE). A crosssectional prospective survey that targeted women between 17 and 40 years old was conducted. The survey instrument was a 13-item self-completion questionnaire distributed to the respondents directly. There was high level of awareness about breast cancer (72%, n=212). The level of awareness about breast cancer was significantly positively influenced by respondents' level of education (P> 0.05). The level of awareness about mammography was low (25%, n=75) and was significantly positively influenced by respondents' level of education. The awareness about breast self-examination was encouraging (56%, n=166) but regular practice of breast self-examination was not as encouraging (45%, n=132). The awareness about breast self-examination was matched by the same level of awareness about breast cancer presenting sometimes as a painless breast lump (56%, n=166 vs 57%, n=168; P> 0.05). The television was the major source of the respondents' information about breast cancer, breast self-examination and mammography. Awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination among the women in South-Eastern Nigeria is encouraging but their level of awareness about mammography is poor. Education plays an important role in breast cancer awareness and its aggressive pursuit is recommended.