The effect of awareness program on knowledge and practice regarding breast cancer early detection among women at Wad Nubaui, in Omdurman locality, North Sudan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Worldwide it is estimated that more than 1.68 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 with incidence rates varying across the world. Breast cancer survival rates have been improving for forty years; more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before. It is estimated that over 508 000 women died in 2011 due to breast cancer (Global Health Estimates, WHO 2013). 50% of breast cancer cases and 58% of deaths occur in less developed countries. Breast cancer five-years survival rates vary greatly ranging from 80% or over in North America, Sweden and Japan to around 60% in middle-income countries and below 40% in low-income ABSTRACT Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer among Sudanese women, 80%-85% of breast cancer patients presented with late advanced disease. This highlights the need for increased community awareness about breast cancer and the need for early detection. The Study aimed to determine the effect of awareness program on knowledge and practice regarding breast cancer early detection among women at Wad Nubaui Omdurman Locality-North Sudan. Methods: Experimental pre and after study design was conducted. A total of 69 women were included. Awareness program was administrated by health workers for six month. The knowledge and practice regarding breast cancer early detection was measured by means of structured questionnaire before and after the awareness program. Data was analyzed using computer software program, statistical package for social sciences. Ethical approval was taken from Medical specialization board and Khartoum State ministry of health ethical review board and informed consent was taken from each participant. Results: There was a significant improvement in knowledge regarding, over all knowledge {CI 95%,-0.77 to-0.15}, risk factors knowledge {CI 95%,-6.4 to-16.0}, and. Change in breast self-examination practicing from pre-to post-test was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: Results support the feasibility and effectiveness of the community base Awareness programs intervention in increasing the knowledge of breast cancer and attitude towards breast self-examination.