Increasing uptake of Basic Breast Examination Procedures through Breast Cancer Awareness in Jos, Nigeria

Breast cancer is now the leading cancer in Nigerian women with a rising prevalence of 33.6/100,000 to 116/100.000. Increased number of prominent Nigeria women dying from the disease prompted the community leader to organize a cancer prevention program and breast cancer screening. We analyzed the data obtained from three days of community based prevention awareness program consisting of Breast self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), breast ultrasound and mammography recommended for women above 40 years of age, women found to have positive lump at CBE or Ultrasound. All the screening programs were analyzed. Data was analyzed using Epinfo version 3.4.3. A total of 2048 women participated in the community sensitization program, the mean age 34.40 +-12.98 with a range of 12-90years. Among the participants, only 55(2.7%) were not aware of breast cancer, 100(4.9%) practiced BSE, 644(31.4%) had breast related problems, 465(22.7) had family history of breast disease while 6(0.3%) previous biopsy. Lump detection: CBE 189(9.2%) 95% CI: 8.0%-10.6%, Ultrasound 314(15.3%) 95% CI: 13.8%-17.0%; Mammography: Only 320 results received at the time of analysis, lump detection 130(40.6%) lumps were detected. Community based cancer prevention is a useful tool for awareness and early detection of lumps in the breast in developing countries where other techniques are not readily available. Linkage to mammography and biopsy was done for those found to have or suspected to have a lump. All women 40years and above were encouraged on the need for regular mammography. Keywords: Breast cancer, Community, Prevention, Outreach