Breast cancer is becoming very prevalent in developing countries including Nigeria which is now
being bedeviled by the twin public health challenge of both communicable and non-communicable
diseases.
Aims: This study was conducted to assess breast cancer knowledge and screening practices
among women of reproductive age in Benin City, with a view to improving breast cancer screening
practices and minimize late presentation and attendant consequences.
Study Design: A descriptive cross sectional study design was utilized for this study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Central Hospital in Benin City, Edo
State between September and December, 2013.
Methodology: This study was health facility based involving researcher administration of semistructured
questionnaires to 235 consenting women of reproductive age (15-49years) attending
immunization clinics in Benin City. The data collected were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package
for Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 with statistical significance set at p< 0.05 and 95% Confidence
Interval.
Results: The mean age and parity of respondents studied were 28.8±7.4 years and 2.19±1.85children respectively. Two hundred and seventeen (92.3%) of the women studied, were aware of
breast cancer with majority 201(92.6%) having poor knowledge of breast cancer. Furthermore, the
practice of breast examination was 143 (65.9%) among respondents studied with self-breast
examination accounting for 106(74.1%). In relation to breast cancer screening practice, primary
level of education (OR=0.323; 95% CI=0.141 – 0.742) was the only significant predictor identified
that less likely influenced the practice.
Conclusion: This study identified a high awareness with poor level of knowledge on breast cancer
among women of reproductive age. The practice of breast examination was high with level of
education identified as a significant predictor for breast cancer screening practice. There is need to
create and strengthen breast cancer awareness campaign through all available media platforms
and in schools not only for improved breast cancer screening practices but very importantly to
improve knowledge on its presentation, risk factors and benefits of early detection and treatment for
better health outcome.