Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly
diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and the most
common among African women. The WHO, recent global
cancer statistics indicate a rising global incidence of breast
cancer in populations of the developing countries that
previously enjoyed a low incidence of the disease. Early
detection through mammogram, clinical breast
examination (CBE), and breast self examination (BSE) is
critical to reducing breast cancer related morbidity and
mortality.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, awareness,
perception and behavior of female healthcare workers in
Oshimili South LGA of Delta State towards breast cancer
and its screening.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study done from
January to March 2014. Multistage sampling technique
was used in the selection of the LGA and study
participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured
questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS version 17.
Results: A total of 424 female healthcare workers were
interviewed. The mean age was 35.4 years and ranged
from 21 to 58 years. A total of 406 respondents (97.1%)
were aware of breast cancer; 340(81.3%) practice breast
self examination (BSE); 117(41.9%) knew about breast
mammography. The commonest source of information
about breast cancer was from fellow healthcare workers
(45.3%), followed by school (16.5%), and newspaper
(14.8%).
Conclusion: The study shows a high level of awareness
of breast cancer and BSE but a low level of awareness of
breast mammography. The level of awareness of breast
cancer, the practice of BSE and awareness of breast
mammography were all found to increase with increase in
age of respondents. The married respondents were more
aware of breast cancer and also of breast mammography.
Higher educational level was not found to increase
awareness of breast cancer, practice of BSE and knowledge
of breast mammography.