Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Screening Methods among Rural Women in Southwest Nigeria: A Mixed Method Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of rural women on breast cancer and its screening methods in Southwest Nigeria. Descriptive cross-sectional survey design with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire was used to generate data among 422 rural women in selected communities in Egbeda local government area of Ibadan. The qualitative data was generated through in-depth interviews among rural women and key informant interviews among health workers in the communities. The study revealed that only 63.7% were aware of breast cancer screening methods compared to 31.6% who were not aware of it. The commonly known screening method among women in the study was breast self-examination (66.7%). Some believed that breast cancer is used as a form of spiritual attack to punish women. Knowledge of breast cancer etiology was also low. The major source of information on breast cancer was radio. The study concluded that health education and programs targeting rural women should be adopted to increase their awareness of breast cancer.

“I am not really into the government telling me what I need to eat”: exploring dietary beliefs, knowledge, and practices among ethnically diverse communities in England

“…Obesity is measured as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m 2, and its associated problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, some types of cancer, and chronic diseases, present a significant global health challenge [ 1 – 3 ]. In the United Kingdom, one in every four adults has obesity, and over 10,780 hospital admissions are directly attributable to obesity [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“For me, it is for longevity and making sure I am fit and around for my children”: exploring motivations and barriers for weight management among minoritised communities in Medway, England

“…The high availability of processed food, fast food, and canned food, which are often unhealthy due to their caloric content [ 5 ], may become a major contributor to weight-related issues for these migrants. Consequently, it is important to ensure that members of these communities are sensitised, especially upon arrival, to the need to ensure a healthy diet and other activities for weight management, considering that migrants are disproportionately impacted by chronic health conditions in the United Kingdom that are diet-related [ 5 – 11 ].…”

“…This dual positionality increases the study’s robustness and the validity of its conclusions. Therefore, this study provides high-quality empirical insight that could guide future studies and interventions on how this priority population for weight-related health problems [ 5 – 11 ] can be supported to protect and promote their health.…”

“…In the same vein, the rate of overweight reached epidemic proportions and almost outnumbered the rate of underweight worldwide [ 5 ]. Obesity is strongly linked to the incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy complications, osteoarthritis, hypertension, stroke, and late onset of Alzheimer’s disease, amongst others [ 5 – 11 ].…”

Barriers to breast and cervical cancer screening uptake among Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic women in the United Kingdom: evidence from a mixed-methods systematic review

“…Breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer incidence, contributing an estimated 2.3 million cases to the global cancer incidence in 2020; this contribution represents 11.7% of cancer worldwide [ 1 ]. Breast cancer incidence and mortality prevalence among women varies from region to region and is more prominent in the European region than in other regions [ 1 , 7 , 8 ]. The disparities in the distribution of breast cancer incidence and mortality among women in Europe have been linked to late diagnosis, preventing early detection and treatment, and leading to low survivor rates [ 5 , 9 ].…”