Awareness of Breast Cancer and Perceived Practice of Breast Self-Examination Among Female Undergraduate Students in A Selected Private University in Ogun State

Breast cancer is the commonest form of cancer among women across the world. If breast changes are detected early and treatment commenced early enough, the survival rate of breast cancer will be increased. The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness of breast cancer and the perceived practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among selected female undergraduate students of Babcock University. The research design for the study was descriptive survey. Crystal Hall in Babcock University was selected for the study. Proportional sampling method was used to obtain two hundred and fifty three (253) participants across all levels of study. The age range of the respondents was between 19 to 25 years old. A validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Data derived from the questionnaire were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Statistics was used to test for relationships between breast cancer awareness and practice of BSE at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed the awareness of breast cancer and BSE among the respondents to be 94.9%. Although 80.2% had practiced BSE before, majority had inadequate practice of BSE. A significant relationship was observed between breast cancer awareness and BSE practice (P=0.014). Findings revealed high level of awareness of breast cancer but low prevalence rate of BSE practice among the respondents. Findings also implied that higher level of awareness increases practice of BSE. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that the importance of BSE in early detection of breast cancer should be stressed with emphasis on regular and proper practice of BSE. Keywords: Awareness, Breast Cancer, Practice, Breast Self-Examination, Female, Undergraduate Students