Breast cancer awareness, risk factors and screening practices among future health professionals in Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Like many other women in the developing world, the practice of breast cancer screening among Ghanaian women is unsatisfactory. As a result, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages leading to poor outcomes including mortalities. An understanding of the awareness and predictors of breast examination is an important first step that may guide the design of interventions aimed at raising awareness across the general population. This study aimed to explore the awareness, risk factors, and self-reported screening practices of breast cancer among female undergraduate students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 female undergraduate students using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using Stata Version 13.1 and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percentage, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed to quantify the association between regular Breast-Self Examination (BSE) and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Results Seventy-three per cent of the students were aware of breast cancer, with social media being the most important source of information (64.4%). The prevalence of breast cancer risk factors varied from 1% of having a personal history of breast cancer to 14.3% for positive family history of breast cancer. Current use of oral pills/injectable contraceptives was confirmed by 13.2% of participants; 20% were current alcohol users and10.1% were physically inactive. Regarding breast examination, 42.6% performed BSE; 10.1% had Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), while 2.3% had undergone mammography in the three years preceding the study. Women who did not believe to be susceptible to breast cancer (AOR: 0.04; 95%CI: 0.02–0.09) and those who did not know their risk status (AOR: 0.02; 95%CI: 0.005–0.57) were less likely to perform regular BSE compared to those who displayed pessimism. Further, women with no religious affiliation had 0.11 (95%CI: 0.02–0.55) odds of examining their breast regularly compared to Christians. Conclusion This study demonstrated moderate awareness of the modalities of breast cancer screening and the risk factors of breast cancer among the students. However, there exists a gap between awareness and practice of breast cancer screening, which was influenced by optimism in breast cancer risk perception and religion. Awareness campaigns and education should be intensified in the University to bridge this gap.

Mapping evidence on knowledge of breast cancer screening and its uptake among women in Ghana: a scoping review

“…The cumulative sample size of the 14 studies reviewed comprised 6779 females. Of the 14 studies, 12 studies [ 13 , 25 – 33 , 36 , 37 ] employed descriptive cross-sectional study design while two studies [ 34 , 35 ] used a mixed-method design. Out of the previous ten regions in Ghana, five studies were conducted in the Greater Accra region followed by three studies in the Ashanti region, two studies in the Volta region, and a study in the Northern region.…”

“…Two of the studies were nationwide. Three studies [ 32 , 35 , 36 ] assessed women’s knowledge and practices on BSE, CBE, and mammography while six studies focused on only BSE [ 26 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 34 , 37 ]. Two studies focused on BSE and CBE [ 27 , 33 ] while one study focused on only mammography [ 29 ] (Table 1 ).…”

“…knowledge about BC, higher education was associated with BCS practices. Osei-Afriyie (2021) [ 36 ] Volta region: University community setting. Cross-sectional study The study aimed to explore the awareness, risk factors, and self-reported screening practices of BC among female undergraduate students.…”

Knowledge and Practice of Breast Cancer and Its Screening Methods among Girls Attending an Engineering College in Ahmednagar

“…Nigerian study [29] and did not find any abnormalities, which is consistent with Osei-Adriye S et al 2.3 percent. [32]. Table 3.…”

Untitled

“…Early diagnosis of breast cancer can increase the chance of early case detection and favourable outcomes, resulting in improved survival rates and quality of life of women and is therefore important public health strategy at all settings [2] . However, studies have demonstrated that factors related to women´s awareness, knowledge and perceptions about the disease may contribute significantly to health-seeking behaviours [3], [4], [5]. Several studies suggests that even though the incidence and mortality of breast cancer have been on the increase, the knowledge and awareness regarding the breast cancer is low among college students.…”