Knowledge and screening practices for breast cancer among women of reproductive age in Akodo town, Lagos, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20240874Keywords:
BC, Knowledge, Practice, Screening methodsAbstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a major global health concern, especially in developing regions like Nigeria. This study addresses the knowledge gap, screening practices, and associated factors related to BC among women of reproductive age in Akodo town, Lagos, Nigeria. It is crucial to explore this aspect of women's health as early detection through screening is vital in reducing mortality rates associated with BC.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted for this study using women of reproductive age living in Akodo town. A total of 320 respondents was recruited through multistage sampling technique. SPSS was used for data analysis.
Results: Most respondents (232, 80%) were aware of BC, of which only 122, (52.6%) knew about at least one screening method. About half, 125 (53.9%) had good knowledge of BC. Only 25% had good screening practice of BC, with 47 (84.5%) having done self-breast examination (SBE) only, 2 (3.4%) had had clinical breast examination (CBE) only, 6 (10.3%) had done both SBE and CBE, while only one (1.7%) had ever had a mammogram. Knowledge of screening methods as well as age below 40 years [OR=2.76; 95% CI (1.00-7.58), OR=2.97; 95% CI (1.09-8.11)] were associated with good screening practices.
Conclusions: Though awareness about BC has significantly increased, screening practices is still very low. Hence, knowledge about the various screening practices needs to be scaled up, and probably incentives should probably be given to those who go for screening.
References
Global Cancer Obsevatory: Cancer Today. International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2020. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/. Accessed on 27 January, 2024.
Agodirin O, Aremu I, Rahman G, Olatoke S, Akande H, Olasehinde O, et al. Breast Cancer Treatment and Outcomes in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Asian Pac J Cancer Care. 2023;8(3):591-8.
Williams M, Kuffour G, Ekuadzi E, Yeboah M, El Duah M, Tuffour P. Assessment of psychological barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in Kumasi, Ghana using a mixed methods approach. Afr Heal Sci. 2013;13(4):1054-61.
Ali-Risasi C, Mulumba P, Verdonck K, Broeck DV, Praet M. Knowledge, attitude and practice about cancer of the uterine cervix among women living in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. BMC Women’s Health. 2014;14(1):30.
Amoran OE, Toyobo OO. Predictors of breast self-examination as cancer prevention practice among women of reproductive age-group in a rural town in Nigeria. J Nigeria Med Asso. 2015;56(3):1.
World Health Organization. Guidelines for the early detection and screening of breast cancer. EMRO Technical Publications Series 30. 2006. Available at: https://applications.emro.who.int/dsaf/dsa696.pdf. Accessed on 29 January, 2024.
Iwuoha EC, Ekeleme NC, Uche CL. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among Women in an Urban City in Abia State, Nigeria. Asian J Med Heal. 2021;18(12):17-25.
Motilewa O, Ekanem U, Thesie C. Knowledge of breast cancer and practice of self-breast examination among female undergraduates in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2015;361-6.
Olayide AS, Halimat AJ, Samuel OA, Ganiyu RA, Soliu OA. Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Breast Cancer in Nigeria. A Systematic Review. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2017;27(2):163-74.
Ogunmodede EO, Aluko JO, Anorkwuru R. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self-Examination in Nigeria: A 10 Year Systematic Review. Afr J Health Nursing Midwifery. 2022;5(4):139-54.
World Health Organization. Preventing Cancer. 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/activities/ preventing-cancer. Accessed on 29 January, 2024.
Dodo A, Sykes P, Powell C. Exploring the Barriers to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Nigeria: A Narrative Review. Afr J Reprod Health. 2016;20(4):89-98.
Abeje S, Seme A, Tibelt A. Factors associated with breast cancer screening awareness and practices of women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BMC Women's Health. 2019;19(4):1-10.
Agodirin SO, Akande JH, Olatoke AS, Rahman AG, Oguntola AS. Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Breast Cancer in Nigeria. A Systematic Review. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2017;27(1):163.
Eguvbe AO, Akpede N, Arua NE. Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Need for its Screening Among Female Healthcare Workers in Oshimili South Local Government Council Area of Delta State, Nigeria: Afri Medic J. 2014;5:59-64.
Onwusah DO, Eboigbe MU, Arute JE, Mgbahurike AA. Knowledge and Awareness of Breast Cancer among University Students in South-South Nigeria. Sch Acad J Pharm. 2017;6:4-15.
Zaid YA, Egberongbe HS, Adekanye AE. Needs and sources of information for women in the treatment and management of breast cancer in Lagos State, Nigeria. Information Development. 2016;32(2):175-85.
Nwaneri A, Osuala EO, Okpala PU, Emesowum AC, Iheanacho P. Knowledge and awareness of breast cancer among rural women in Umuowa Orlu Local Government Area Imo State, South East, Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract. 2017;20:489-94.
Dibisa TM, Gelano TF, Negesa L, Gebrehawareya T, Abate D. Breast cancer screening practice and its associated factors among women in Kersa District, Eastern Ethiopia. Pan Afr Med J. 2019;33:144.
Seiffert K, Thoene K, Zu Eulenburg C, Behrens S, Schmalfeldt B, Becher H, et al. The effect of family history on screening procedures and prognosis in breast cancer patients-Results of a large population-based case-control study. The Breast. 2021;55:98-104.
