Breast Cancer Screening Awareness and Practice among Women in Sagamu Local Government Area, South-Western Nigeria: A Community Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the leading female malignancy in the world and the second principal cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. It has a poorer outcome among African-American women compared with the whites due to more advanced stage at presentation. This study therefore examines the factors influencing breast cancer screening awareness and practices among women in Ogun State, Western Nigeria. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between April 22nd and13th May, 2013. A multi stage cluster sampling technique was used to select the participants into the study. One participant per each household was selected into the study. A semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Results: A total of 495 women were interviewed in this study, the mean age of the respondents was 36.45 years ranging from 19 to 63 years. Only 48.5% of respondents knew the commonest age group at risk of breast cancer and 59.4% knew breast cancer can be detected early. Majority [81.0%] were not aware of mammography and none of the respondents knew the age when regular screening should commence. One hundred percent of our respondents have never had mammography done for any reason whatsoever. Majority of respondents [85.0%] have never asked anyone about mammography. Predictors of awareness of mammography were marital status [O.R= 1.61, C.I=1.35-3.05], tertiary education [OR= 2.14 C.I=1.13-6.08] and Nuclear family structure [OR=1.83, C.I=1.13-3.74]. Conclusion: This study revealed a low level of awareness of mammography and mammographic screening. None of the respondents had ever undergone mammography. Public education and awareness programs should be developed to promote early detection and diagnosis in the prevention of breast cancer in women in Nigeria and other developing countries.