Breast Self-Examination and Health Seeking behavior of Women in Leku Town, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia

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.

Factors associated with awareness of breast cancer among women of reproductive age in Lesotho: a national population-based cross-sectional survey

“…Literature indicates that the awareness of breast cancer among women is low in many sub-Saharan African countries [ 15 , 16 ] raising many concerns. The unique sociocultural dynamics in Africa and belief systems, including low women’s education level, beliefs in witchcraft, fatalism, and spirituality play a key role in influencing women’s awareness of breast cancer [ 17 ].…”