Breast cancer awareness: survey of participants at annual walk in Kigali

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in low-income countries and the second leading cause in high-income countries. Most women in sub-Saharan Africa are diagnosed later, with limited access to timely and effective treatment.

Objectives: The main objective was to identify the awareness of breast cancer warning signs among participants attending the 2016 Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 93 participants was conducted after the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Kigali on 23 October 2016. Participants, 15 years or older, completed the survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.

Results: The breast cancer warning sign “breast lump” was identified by over half of the women (54%) and many men (41%), though the majority (70%) did not know that the lump could be painless. The majority of participants were unaware of the many other breast cancer signs, and that the risk increases with age. Three
potential barriers to delay seeking healthcare for a serious breast problem included lack of insurance or money to pay, difficulty to make appointment with doctor, and fear of removal of breast.

Conclusion: Increased public awareness and early detection is imperative to help reduce the morbidity and mortality related to breast cancer in Rwandan women and men.

Keywords: Breast cancer awareness, warning signs, age-related risk, breast checking, delays to care, sub-Saharan Africa, women’s health