Nigerian students' awareness of breast self-examination

Abstract

Background: Mortality rates for breast cancer could be reduced if detected early, but late presentation is common in Nigeria. Breast self-examination is associated with early detection; however, despite its significant role in prevention, the rate of practice is still low. Aims: To assess the level of awareness of breast self-examination among female senior secondary school students in Akinyele local government area, Ibadan. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 200 consecutively selected participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Findings: The majority (70%) had heard of breast self-examination, and commonly cited a painless lump (64.5%) and skin changes (60%) as symptoms. Many (50.5%) disagreed that obesity was a risk factor and could not identify the steps involved in breast self-examination. Conclusions: There was a high level of awareness of breast self-examination among participants; however, knowledge of risk factors and uptake of breast self-examination were low. Therefore, periodic intervention programmes targeting young females with information on breast self-examination should be encouraged.