Knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer among women in Rombo district, Kilimanjaro region

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer among women aged 30 years and above in Rombo district Kilimanjaro region. Design: A descriptive,cross- sectional study Setting: Rombo district, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Results: Of the 150 women who participated in the study, 64.7% had either never been to school or not completed primary school. 17(11.3%) had knowledge on the presenting features of breast cancer at early stages of the disease. About 11 % knew at least one of the predisposing factors of breast cancer while 89% knew nothing on it. Fifty percent were in dilemma on whether one can detect lumps (mass on breast) at home, 33.3'% said it can not be done at home while 16.7% knew it can be done at home. 53% could not tell whether breast cancer is curable or not, 28% said it is incurable while 19% knew it is curable if detected early. For those who claimed it is not curable, their reasons were curse (24%), most of the patients died (31 %) and once one gets it must kill her (45%). Recommendation: The findings show that there is a need to educate the community on breast cancer.