Epidemiological Study on Breast Cancer Associated Risk Factors and Screening Practices Among Women in Mbaise Imo State, Nigeria

Breast cancer is cancers that originate from breast tissues, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the milk supplying ducts of the lobules. The modification/mutation of DNA and/or RNA causes formation of cancer cells from normal cells. This study is aimed to assess the awareness of the risk factors of breast cancer and screening practices among women in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. Methods The study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey that uses structured self-administered questionnaire. Multistage simple random sampling technique was used to select four hundred women from the three LGAs in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. The structured questionnaire was designed into various sections, which included characteristics of respondents; habits of respondents; awareness on risk factors of breast cancer; factors that are helpful in the recovery of patients from breast cancer; and level of awareness of screening practices and breast self-examination (BSE) practice. Results From the research, 260 (65%) of the women who participated in this research fell within the age range of 18–30. At least 40 (10%) of the respondents were within the age range of 31–50, while at least 40 (10%) were those within the age range of 51–65. Married women dominated 210 (52.5%) of the research. 160 (40%) women in this study were educated at secondary level, 100 (25%) at tertiary institutions, and primary 80 (20%), while a few 60 (15%) were illiterate etc. Conclusion This study revealed a low level of awareness about risk factors and the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among women in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. Hence, they suggested the need for regular updates through seminars/workshops for health workers focused on breast cancer education and screening practice