Breast Self Examination and Cancer Awareness among Female Staff in Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State (Knowledge and Practice)

Abstract

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a recommended technique in medical science for early detection of breast cancer. It is a simple technique with no specific equipment and no cost implication. It has been shown to improve breast health awareness and thus detect potential abnormalities in the breast.  It should be practiced by all women (or females known to be more at risk) from the moment the breast is developed. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE in relation to breast cancer awareness among female staff in Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Methods: A simple random technique was used to select a total of 411 female staff from different departments of the hospital. The data were collected using structured pretested questionnaire.  Descriptive statistical method and correlation method was employed to analyze the variables. Results: The findings of this study revealed that 369(89.8%) had knowledge of BSE. It also revealed that 210 (51.1%) about half of the total number practice BSE regularly. Majority of the respondents, 187 (45.5%) heard of BSE through awareness programme. There was a statistical significant association between knowledge of breast self- examination and its practice. Conclusion: The study revealed that majority of the respondents had knowledge of BSE but the practice of BSE was poor. Knowing when to perform, how to perform, position to perform and confidence of what to look for during BSE were seen as a major issue or objective determinant of successful examination, in this study. Therefore, there is need for intensified sensitization programmes to address knowledge and the practice of BSE among females in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.