Breast Cancer Awareness, Knowledge and Screening Uptake among Female Secondary Schools Teachers in Owerri, Nigeria

Background: Teachers as key stakeholders play vital roles in the prevention and control of diseases and health-related conditions in schools and communities. Assessment of breast cancer awareness, knowledge and screening practices among them could improve intervention strategies.

Objective: To determine the breast cancer awareness, knowledge and screening practices among female secondary schools teachers in Owerri,, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 284 female secondary schools teachers in Owerri Nigeria selected by a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and were analysed with a statistical package for social sciences version 22.0. Statistical significance were identified using Fisher Exact and Chi-square tests at p value ≤ 0.05.

Results: Majority of respondents, 273 (96.1%) were aware of breast cancer. The key sources of information include: 111 (39.1%) health workers, 87 (30.6%) TV/Radio, The level of knowledge of breast cancer was poor, thus: 3(7.7%) aged 50-59; 8(3.3%) tertiary education attainment (p=0.000); 9(4.3%) currently married. Then, 236(90.1%) of them were aware of BSE, 199(70.1%), CBE and 120(42.3%), mammography. About 209(71.5%) reported ever practiced BSE (mostly the currently married (p= 0.021); 79 (27.8%), CBE and 45 (15.8%), mammography.

Conclusions: This study found overall high awareness, poor knowledge of breast cancer and poor screening uptake. We recommend periodic but sustained quality health education programs targeted at improving awareness, knowledge of breast cancer and screening uptake among these teachers.