A correlational study on the awareness of breast cancer screening methods and risk factors among women attending two health facilities in Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Introduction: breast cancer stands as one of the deadliest forms of cancer among women globally, breast cancer has become a significant global health issue. Knowledge of the risk factors and the various early detection methods is pivotal in ensuring timely treatment initiation. This study aimed at assessing the awareness of the breast cancer (BC) screening methods and risk factors among women attending two health facilities in Windhoek, Namibia.

Methods: a quantitative correlational design was used to determine the knowledge of breast cancer screening methods and risk factors; This study sampled a total of 260 purposively recruited women aged 20 years and older who attended the two hospitals’ outpatient departments.

Results: findings suggest that participants had an average knowledge of BC risk factors, screening methods, and signs and symptoms. Kruskal-Wallis H test with post hoc analysis revealed that several demographic variables were significantly associated with knowledge of screening methods (participants’ occupations, p=0.04; educational level, p=0.01; gravidity, p=0.04), knowledge of risk factors (presenting with breast problem, p=0.05) and knowledge of signs and symptoms (age, p=0.008; presenting with breast problem, p=0.03).

Conclusion: this study found that participants have an average understanding of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening methods, with significant associations found between these knowledge areas and factors such as occupation, presence of a breast problem, educational qualifications, and history of pregnancy. There's a need for expanded education and awareness initiatives in Namibia. Utilising social media for these campaigns could improve their reach and impact.