CAUSES, MANAGEMENT AND PERCEPTION OF BREAST CANCER AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer has helped in proper diagnosis and treatment which has reduced the mortality rate of women with breast cancer.
Objective: This study was conducted to determine the causes, management and perception of breast cancer among female student of the faculty of social sciences of Delta State University, Abraka. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of the female students on breast cancer, source of information, possible risk factors and self breast examination among these students.
Method: Using a descriptive cross-sectional study design, a valid and reliable structured questionnaire was self administered to a sampled population of 240 female students aged between 15years and above from 100L to 500L. Information gathered were demographic variable information, knowledge on breast cancer and personal data on breast cancer. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) for windows version 21.0. Frequencies, percentages, chat and p.value were generated.
Result: The study revealed that majority 213 (88.8%) of the respondents have heard of breast cancer while 27(11.3%) have no knowledge on breast cancer. The main source of information was the internet (46.6%). One hundred and sixty-five (68.8%) of the respondents reported to know the risk factors of breast cancer while 128(53.3%) regularly observe or feel their breast for changes. It was also discovered that only 5(2.1%) of the respondent have or had have breast cancer.
Conclusion: From the study carried out it was discovered that although most of the respondents have heard of breast cancer very few of them have adequate knowledge. This was deducted from their response. Twenty three (27.5%) of the respondents gave no response on the symptoms 66 (27.5%) of the respondents have no knowledge on the risk factors 101 (42.1%) do not regularly observe or feel their breast for changes. Appropriate interventions are needed to encourage aware and adequate knowledge on breast cancer.
Key words: respondents, information, knowledge
