Awareness and Practices of Breast Cancer Detection among Female Undergraduates of Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

Background: Breast cancer is a global health issue affecting women with, early detection through breast-self-examination and Clinical-Breast Examination being crucial for increasing the rate of survival.

Aim: This study aimed to ascertain the level of awareness of breast cancer, the risk factors, and warning signs, evaluate the practice of breast-self-examination and Clinical-Breast Examination and ascertain further steps taken when warning signs were detected.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 undergraduate female students of Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaires in which the students answered questions on their Knowledge of breast cancer, and practice of breast-self-examination and Clinical-Breast Examination as well as further steps taken when warning signs were detected.

Results: Results show that 91% of the participants were aware of breast cancer. It also revealed that 40.7% and 42% of the students were unaware that age and smoking respectively are risk factors. Also, 60.7% and 72.3% of the students were unaware that redness and irritation respectively are warning signs of breast cancer. Majority of the participants were aware of breast-self-examination and clinical-breast examination but 64.3% had practiced breast-self-examination and a substantial 81.3% had never practiced Clinical-Breast Examination. This study demonstrated that, 9.3% practiced breast-breast examination daily, 13% weekly and 42.3% monthly. Only 16.3% had observed breast pain, 8% observed changes in nipple shape. After noticing warning signs, 30.3% went for medical consultation, 23.7% did laboratory screening and 16.7% removed lumps.

Conclusion: These findings indicate suboptimal breast-self examination and/or Clinical-Breast Examination practice, suboptimal awareness of the warning signs, and inadequate awareness of the risk factors of breast cancer. Public health awareness and enlightenment campaign is necessary to improve early breast cancer detection among Nigerian women.