Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer remains a major global health concern in both developed and developing countries. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge of risk factors of breast cancer (BC), and the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among females in the Tamale Metropolis of Northern Ghana. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 1122 participants; consisting of nurses 157 (14.1%), teachers 227 (20.2%), undergraduate university students 339 (30.5%), medical students 95 (8.5%) and market women 304 (27.3%). Using a convenience sampling method to select the participants, we distributed questionnaires to participants which were completed and returned. Results: Most of the participants, 498 (44.4%) were between age 19-25. The majority were enlightened about BC (93.1%), and BSE (87.6%), 723 (64%) had good knowledge about the risk factors of BC. A total of 857 (76.4%) had previously been taught BSE. However, only 417 (37.2%) were found to practice BSE regularly. Conclusion: The knowledge of BC risk factors and BSE was remarkable, but varied in the various occupational categories. However, only a few participants practiced BSE regularly. There is a need for widespread educational campaigns to educate further and encourage women to practice BSE regularly. The inclusion of men in these crusades is long overdue. Equipped with the knowledge and skills of BSE, men could assist and encourage their spouses to frequently examine themselves. Further research studies will be necessary to ascertain the role of men in championing BSE among their significant others.
 Keywords: awareness; breast cancer; breast self-examination; knowledge; practice; Ghana; Tamale
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.