Introduction African women are affected by cancer at an early age of their productivity. However, the exact prevalence and incidence of cancer, including breast cancer is not known in most sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia because of lack of well-established cancer registry. This study aims to assess the epidemiology of breast cancer at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH), the biggest referral hospital with cancer treatment center serving the southern part of the country. Methods Retrospective review of charts of all patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer between 2013 and 2019 at HUCSH was conducted. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect relevant data that include sociodemographic, symptoms, type of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Data were entered using epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS version 20. Results Five hundred fifty-nine (18.6%) breast cancer cases were retrieved in 7 years between 2013 and 2019. Of this, 548 (98%) were women. The median ages of the patents were 38 years. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the leading 309 (55.3%) histologic type followed by 185 (33.1%) lobular carcinoma. One hundred seventy-seven (31.7%) were moderately differentiated and 155 (27.7%) were poorly differentiated. Three hundred seventy-two (66.5%) were advanced breast cancer (Stages III and IV). Trends of breast cancer showed the case load is continuously increasing except with a slight reduction of cases in between 2015 and 2016. The majority were advanced breast cancer occurring at an early age by the time diagnosis made. Invasive ductal carcinomas were the predominant one. The trend also showed a continuous increment of cancer case load. Therefore, cancer registration center establishment, community awareness creation, and intensive early detection strategy are mandatory.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide, and the second leading cancer in Ethiopia. Screening gives protective benefits associated with a reduction in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer and mortality. However, the level of cervical cancer screening uptake is not well document in the country. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of cervical cancer screening service uptake among women aged 25 years and above in Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia, 2019. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 838 women aged 25 and above years by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to identify households with women age of 25 and above years who were residing in the selected kebele for more than 6 months. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression done. P-value <0.05 was considered as significant and presented by adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% C.I. This study showed that among 838 women, only 17.8% (95%CI, 15.2%-20.5%) have undergone for cervical cancer screening. Being age of 35-39 (AOR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.6-10.6), College and above Educational level (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.5-9.6), Ever had HIV test (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.82-4.4) and high perceived self-efficacy (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.527-12.84) were significant predictors for cervical cancer screening service uptake. The magnitude of cervical cancer screening uptake among women aged 25 years and above was lower than that of the recommended coverage of the target group by the national guideline. Age of women, educational status of women, ever had HIV test, and high perceived self-efficacy were important factors of cervical cancer screening service uptake. So it is very crucial improving cervical cancer screening uptake, through creating awareness and educating women, about the advantage of screening in early detection and management of cervical cancer screening utilization

No abstract

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer and the second most common cancer related death next to lung cancer among women in the world and most of African countries. In Ethiopia, it is the second common cancer among women next to cervical cancer with estimated incidence rate of 19.5 per 100,000 and estimated death rate of 11.8 per 100,000 females are reported [1]. American Cancer Society (2010) reported that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in Southern Africa (9,000 cases, 4,500 deaths) and Northern Africa (28,000 cases, 14,600 deaths).The report also showed that currently breast cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Sub-Saharan African countries and its incidence rates have nearly doubled over the past two decades. According to the top ten cancer burdens classifications by topography and sex in Addis Ababa city, breast cancer was one of the commonest cancers and accounts for 617 cases (583 females and 34 males) out of 1769 cancer cases [2].Although breast cancer prevalence in developed countries is more than developing countries, the majority of breast cancer mortality (69%) occurs in developing countries like Ethiopia [3].The mortality rate and survival rate of the disease depends on the ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACTBreast cancer is the second most common cancer related death next to lung cancer among women in the world and most of African countries, including Ethiopia. In developing countries like Ethiopia, mortality rate is higher than that of developed countries because patients are found in advanced stage of the disease, where little or nothing can be done. To assess the awareness of breast cancer, breast self-examination practice and health seeking behavior for breast cancer among women in Leku town, Sidama Region, southern Ethiopia. A community based cross sectional study was employed. Systematic random sampling technique was used as a data collection technique. Structured and semistructured questionnaire was used and data collectors were trained on data collection process and techniques in order to collect valid information to meet the proposed study objectives. About 206 (61.31%) women, who participated on this study, have ever heard about breast cancer. From these only 28 (13.6%) were found to have good knowledge. Nearly about half 102(49.5%) of the women, who are informed about breast cancer, believe that early detection of breast cancer improves survival. The result showed, out of the women who reported to have had breast cancer information, 94(45.6%) have ever heard/read about breast self-examination, but only 13(13.8%) practice breast selfexamination and 256(76.2%) of the participant have a positive health seeking behavior. The study participants have very poor knowledge about breast cancer. Furthermore, low and improper breast self-examination practice was observed.