BREAST CANCER AWARENESS, ITS MYTHS AND TREATMENTS

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a malignant tumor that arises from the cells of breast. It is a major issue for global health and one of the main factors contributing to morbidity and mortality globally. This study assessed the level of awareness of BC warning signs, risk factors, identified prevalent myths, knowledge of treatment methods and level of practice of breast selfexamination (BSE). Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 281 (male and female) adults attending religious organizations in Benin metropolis. The questions on breast cancer awareness was extracted from Breast cancer awareness measure (BCAM) version 2 (Cancer Research United Kingdom, King’s College London, 2009).Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Analysis was mainly descriptive. Independent t-test was used to determine the difference in awareness between male and female. Results: Most of the participants were females (64.66%). Breast lump was the most frequently identified warning sign of BC by the participants (72.93%). Majority of the participant (57.14%) were aware of family history of BC as a risk factor. (75.94%) of the participant have heard of BSE and (51.13%) rarely or never practice BSE. (73.68%) are aware of surgery as a treatment of BC. (51.13%) identified bacterial infection as the prevalent myth of breast cancer. Conclusion: Results of current study indicate that the level of awareness of breast cancer is inadequate and the practice of BSE is low. These findings reinforce the continuing need for more BC education through conducting public and professional programs that are intended to raise awareness.