Breast Cancer: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Female Schoolteachers in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of female schoolteachers concerning breast cancer. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 schoolteachers randomly selected from 12 schools in Lagos, Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate their knowledge about the symptoms of breast cancer, methods of diagnosis, risk factors, and breast self-examination. A response rate of 94% (188 respondents) was achieved. Eighty-five percent knew breast cancer was a serious disease, but only 53.2% knew that a breast lump was the most commonly recognized sign. Other symptoms were even less well known. Only 13.8% knew the methods of diagnosis, and knowledge of risk factors was also poor. Breast self-examination was practiced by 62% of respondents; 11% practiced it on a monthly basis, but only 25% were deemed to possess sufficient knowledge about the procedure. One-quarter of participants were categorized as possessing a satisfactory knowledge of breast cancer. The level of awareness on breast cancer is very low among this group of female schoolteachers.