Breast Cancer Screening: An Assessment of Awareness, Attitude and Practice among Female Clients Utilizing Breast Imaging Services in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in many parts of the world and screening practices play a vital role in its prevention and early detection. This study sought to assess the level of awareness, determine the attitude and document breast cancer screening practices among respondents. A cross-sectional descriptive survey of 150 respondents was conducted at the Department of Radiology of a tertiary health facility in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The study population consisted of female patients referred for breast imaging. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data was analysed using SPSS version 16, Chicago USA Inc. Respondents presented for breast imaging due to breast related complaints (75.2%) as opposed to routine medical screening for breast cancer (24.8%). A total of 43 (28.7%) respondents had breast ultrasound scan done previously, 105 (70%) had practiced breast self examination (BSE) before, while 54 (36%) had clinical breast examination (CBE) done previously. Among those aged 40 years and above (n=67, 44.7%) only 18 (26.9%) had a previous mammographic screening. Overall attitude to BSE was good (56%) but attitude to CBE was negative (69.3%). Respondents’ occupation was found to have a significant association with attitude towards BSE (p=0.001). The logistic regression analysis of predictors of awareness of mammography showed that women aged 40 years and above are more likely to be aware of mammography as a screening tool for breast cancer (OR=3.05,P= 0.012; 95%CI 1.28-7.27). There is a need for increased awareness and adoption of breast cancer screening practices in our environment in order to engender a reduction in breast cancer morbidity and mortality.