Knowledge, attitude and practice of Nigerian women towards breast cancer: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Late presentation of patients at advanced stages when little or no benefit can be derived from any form of therapy is the hallmark of breast cancer in Nigerian women. Recent global cancer statistics indicate rising global incidence of breast cancer and the increase is occurring at a faster rate in populations of the developing countries that hitherto enjoyed low incidence of the disease. Worried by this prevailing situation and with recent data suggesting that health behavior may be influenced by level of awareness about breast cancer, a cross-sectional study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of community-dwelling women in Nigeria towards breast cancer.

Mammogram history in Nigerian women: Age-related risk factors for breast cancer and educational implications

“…Again, this arguably depicts efforts by health providers to increase breast cancer awareness or deliberate efforts by the women themselves to seek mammography (given their elevated risk) in response to the health promotion jingles. Previous studies show low or modest knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer in Nigerian women, 15,19,20 which in turn is blamed for low levels of mammography uptake. 15 Although the present findings suggest women of younger menarche age were motivated to request mammograms, presumably in response to the public awareness jingles, it is still necessary for health campaigns to address the patriarchal aspects of Nigerian society, where women are less able to take the initiative for their own health care.…”

“…Furthermore, Nigerian women may delay or decline mammograms partly because of knowledge deficits on breast cancer, 19 including age-related risk factors. 20 Even amongst women who are more knowledgeable about breast cancer (e.g. those with higher education or professional jobs), 20 psychological theories of aging would suggest an age-related aversion to risk information may discourage utilisation of diagnostic medical services that may confirm the presence of a life-threatening illness.…”

“…20 Even amongst women who are more knowledgeable about breast cancer (e.g. those with higher education or professional jobs), 20 psychological theories of aging would suggest an age-related aversion to risk information may discourage utilisation of diagnostic medical services that may confirm the presence of a life-threatening illness. 21 As many Nigerians view cancer as a spiritual ailment, older age may increase preference for traditional healers, who may present a more positive outlook for the future, through spiritual incantations and local herb preparations.…”

“…24 Thus, it is possible that older age at menopause may fail to encourage mammography, particularly given the low levels of cancer awareness. 20 Evidence on menarche age and use of medical services by Nigerian women seems non-existent. 22 Thus, it is unclear whether women who are currently eligible for breast cancer screening will be motivated to undergo a mammogram as a result of having experienced menarche at a younger age in their youth.…”

“…However, these scenarios assume an adequate level of education about age-related risk factors for breast cancer, in both women and health professionals. Given the low level of breast cancer education in sub-Saharan Africa, 15,16,20 including knowledge of risk factors, 15,16 this study had two aims. The first objective was to determine whether women with adverse age-related risk factors for breast cancer are more likely to have a history of mammography screening.…”