Awareness of breast cancer and breast self examination among women in Enugu Urban, Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Breast Cancer is the most predominant malignancy with the highest mortality rate in women. Regular periodic Breast Self-Examination (BSE) has been found to significantly reduce mobidity and mortality due to this disease. Out of a total of 476 women aged between 15 and 54 years in Enugu who were interviewed about their knowledge of breast cancer and practice of BSE, it was found that although 92% of the women knew of the disease, only 29% were aware that it commonly presents as a lump in the breast. 88% of all the women knew about BSE but only 62% out of these practice it. Out of those who practice Breast Self Examination, only 34% do it monthly or more often. The practice of BSE did not differ significantly among the various occupational groups (P> 0.05).