Breast Malignancy: Evaluating Perception and Adoption of Methods of Screening among Women in Urban Areas of Ondo State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Mortality from breast malignancy (cancer) is assuming a worldwide epidemic among women in recent times. The increasing mortality rate is partly due to poor level of adoption of early detection methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perception and adoption of methods of screening for breast malignancy among women in Ondo State, Nigeria.  Methods: A cross sectional design was employed to carry out this research while 427 respondents were randomly selected through multistage sampling technique. The data instrument was piloted for accuracy and reliability. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 25. Findings: This study indicated that most respondents (63.9%) were young adults >35years while the mean age was 38.0 years. There was a positive perception (90.2%) about breast malignancy screening among respondents. Notably, majority (82.2%) of respondents utilized Breast Self-Examination (BSE) screening method while only (14.1%) utilized mammography. Findings also revealed obesity and age as predictors of breast malignancy while family/friends remain the potent source of awareness of breast malignancy screening. Chi- square test revealed an association between occupation and practice of breast malignancy screening (P-value = 0.04*; X2 = 8.02) and educational qualification (P-value = 0.000*; X2 = 31.9). Findings also showed a correlation between perception and breast malignancy screening method (r = 0.218**; p-value = 0.00) and reasons for breast malignancy screening (r = 0.250**; p-value = 0.00).  Conclusion: Government should prioritize compulsory free screening initiatives for early detection of breast malignancy in women to avert the mental agony of loss of lives.