Abstract
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in many parts of the world and screening practices play a vital role in its prevention and early detection. This study sought to assess the level of awareness, determine the attitude and document breast cancer screening practices among respondents. A cross-sectional descriptive survey of 150 respondents was conducted at the Department of Radiology of a tertiary health facility in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The study population consisted of female patients referred for breast imaging. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16, Chicago USA Inc. Respondents presented for breast imaging due to breast related complaints (75.2%) as opposed to routine medical screening for breast cancer (24.8%). A total of 43 (28.7%) respondents had breast ultrasound scan done previously, 105 (70%) had practiced breast self examination (BSE) before, while 54 (36%) had clinical breast examination (CBE) done previously. Among those aged 40 years and above (n=67, 44.7%) only 18 (26.9%) had a previous mammographic screening. Overall attitude to BSE was good (56%) but attitude to CBE was negative (69.3%). Respondents’ occupation was found to have a significant association with attitude towards BSE (p=0.001). The logistic regression analysis of predictors of awareness of mammography showed that women aged 40 years and above are more likely to be aware of mammography as a screening tool for breast cancer (OR=3.05,P= 0.012; 95%CI 1.28-7.27). There is a need for increased awareness and adoption of breast cancer screening practices in our environment in order to engender a reduction in breast cancer morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women both in developed and developing countries, comprising 23% of all female cancers. [1] Globally, one million new breast cancer cases are diagnosed each year [2]
The aim of the study is to assess the level of awareness, determine the attitude and document breast cancer screening practices among females presenting for breast imaging services at our health care facility
About 83.3% of respondents had heard of breast self-examination (BSE) previously while only 41.3% of the respondents were aware of mammography as a breast cancer screening tool
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women both in developed and developing countries, comprising 23% of all female cancers. [1] Globally, one million new breast cancer cases are diagnosed each year [2]. Characteristics Age (years)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
