Knowledge of breast cancer screening methods and the practice of breast self-examination among female nursing students in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. The incidence of the disease is now increasing in a population that previously had low incidence, moreover, the incidence of early onset of the disease is now on the increase. Mammography still remains the best method for breast cancer screening.

Objective: To assess the knowledge of female nursing students in a tertiary health institution on the screening methods for breast cancer as well as their practice of breast self-examination.

Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Setting: School of Nursing, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City.

Subjects: All female Nursing Students in School of Nursing University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City Edo State Nigeria.

Results: The 211 respondents were from first year to third year with third-year students making up about 50.7%. Majority of the respondents (58%) were within the 21-35 years age group. Most of the students (73%) practice breast self-examination. There was a significant association between age, level of study, knowledge of screening methods with the practice of breast self-examination (P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Good knowledge of breast cancer screening methods and the practice of breast self-examination was found among the female nursing students.