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No. of pages: 170

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Abstract:

Breast cancer is said to be the commonest cancer and the most lethal malignancy in women across the world. Most of the cases are brought late to the hospital when the conditions are severe with multiple nodal involvements and poorer clinical-pathological prognostic outcome. If breast changes are detected early and treatment commenced early enough, the survival rate of breast cancer Wii is increased.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the breast cancer awareness and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among women in Umuowa Orlu L.G.A. of Imo State. The research design for the study was a descriptive survey. Umuowa was purposively selected for the study. Proportionate sampling method was used to draw three hundred and forty nine (349) women in the ten villages in Umuowa. Systematic sampling technique was used to the reach the respondents in the villages. A validated questionnaire which served as an interview schedule was used for data collection. Data derived from the questionnaire were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Chi Square and Spearman’s Rank analysis were used to test for relationships between demographic data, breast cancer awareness and practice of BSE.

The study revealed that the awareness of breast cancer and BSE among the women were low. The major source of information was healthcare providers. Majority of the women had inadequate practice of BSE despite the fact that a little above half (51.95) practiced BSE. Age, educational attainment and parity were associated with the practice of BSE. This implied that with increase in age and parity, the practice of BSE reduced while it increased with educational attainment.

There were negative relationships between age, parity and awareness of BSE. This implied that BSE awareness increased as age and parity reduced. A positive relationship was established between BSE awareness and educational attainment. Findings further revealed that there is a positive relationship between breast cancer awareness and practice of BSE. Based on these findings, it was recommended that healthcare providers should embark on directed and focused health education awareness campaign to enhance the awareness of breast cancer. The importance of BSE as a key factor in the early detection of breast cancer should be stressed with special emphasis on regular practice of BSE and the proper steps of BSE.