Breast cancer awareness, attitude and screening practices in Nigeria: A systematic review

Abstract

Previous research on the breast cancer awareness, attitude and screening practices has produced divergent results. This systematic review aimed to summarise evidence and to compare all existing evidence on the awareness of breast cancer, attitude and screening practices among women in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Overall, 40 articles were included in the final analysis. The search was limited to articles published in English between 2001 and 2014 were included in review. Majority of the respondents in this review were aware of breast cancer as a disease entity. Electronic media and television (TV) were the leading sources of information on breast cancer in Nigeria, while use of leaflets and internet were unpopular in this regard. The results of the study showed deficiency in screening practices even among those who were aware of the screening methods. Breast self-examination (BSE) was the most common breast screening practice among respondents followed by clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. The reasons provided for non-performance were fear of finding a lump and lack of awareness among others. Development of effective educational resources aimed at reducing barriers to breast screening practices and early detection to provoke change and to impact on social norms. Also, campaigns that couple information with other services are more likely to bring sustained changes in behaviour.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Breast Cancer Screening Practices among Market Women in Thika Town, Kiambu County, Kenya

“…These findings are consistent to those of Morse et.al (20) in Tanzania and Marmara et.al (21) in Malta who found variations in both knowledge of symptoms and breast cancer risk factors. The sources of information mentioned in this study included the electronic media (radio and television) and hospitals similar to findings of a review by Ojewusi et.al, (22). These form an important source of information ISSN 2250-3153 http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.9.05.2019.p8953 www.ijsrp.org regarding breast cancer as well as being fertile areas for interventions so as to increase awareness of the cancer.…”

“…Those who were knowledgeable on the procedure were 2.6 times more likely to have been screened. A systematic review by Ojewusi et.al, (22) found that lack of knowledge on how to carry out a SBE was expressed by as one the most important factors in its uptake. Similarly in Lebanon, women who were more confident on their ability to perform a SBE were 2.65 times more likely to practice it.…”

Panoptic Overview of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Nigeria: Current Challenges and Promising Global Initiatives

“…Although some studies report approximately 80% to 92% of Nigerian women are aware of mammography screening, only 3% to 10% are reported to have actually undergone the screening. 41 Studies have revealed that Nigerian women with a higher level of education exhibit more knowledge about breast self-examination (BSE), tend to believe that early BC detection leads to better survival rates, and are more likely to practice BSE compared with those with a lower level of education. 42 - 44 Studies have also revealed that most Nigerian health care providers lack sufficient knowledge of BC risk factors and the procedure for BSE .…”

Some full blood count parameters among women of African descent with breast cancer in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

“…The breast cancer burden differs between countries and regions showing variations in incidence, mortality and survival rates [9][10]. Breast cancer-related deaths in Nigeria reached 13,264 or 0.70% of total deaths and showed that Nigeria ranks 4 th in the world [11].…”

“…WHO [23] found out that breast cancer deaths in Nigeria reached 13,264 or 0.70% of total deaths and showed that Nigeria ranks 4 th in the world [11].…”