AWARENESS OF BREAST CANCER AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE RESEARCH UNIT IN A TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally, with early detection significantly improving survival outcomes. Despite advances in screening technologies and awareness campaigns, gaps persist between knowledge and actual preventive practices, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study examined the awareness of breast cancer among women attending the Human Reproductive Research Unit in a tertiary health facility in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing convenience sampling to select 174 women attending the Human Reproductive Research Unit. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, and means were computed to address the research objectives. The findings revealed that 85% of participants demonstrated high awareness of breast cancer and its risk factors, with a grand mean score of 1.8. Regarding prevention methods, 61.5% exhibited good knowledge of screening techniques. However, only 55% engaged actively in early detection practices, with mammography showing the poorest uptake (mean 2.3). Key influencing factors included belief in survival benefits from early detection (mean 3.6), family support (mean 3.5), fear of diagnosis (mean 2.5), cost concerns (mean 2.9), and lack of confidence in performing breast self-examination (mean 2.9). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between awareness and behavioral practices (χ² = 7.214, df = 1, p = 0.01), confirming that good awareness positively influenced engagement in early detection behaviors. While awareness levels are commendably high among women attending tertiary health facilities, substantial barriers prevent the translation of knowledge into consistent preventive behaviors. Health facilities should implement structured educational programs with hands-on BSE demonstrations, establish mobile reminder systems, subsidize mammography costs, and adopt family-centered counseling approaches to improve screening uptake and bridge the knowledge-practice gap. . Keywords: Breast cancer, Awareness, Knowledge, Behavioral Practices, Early Detection