Level of Awareness on Breast Cancer and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Market Women in Ido Community, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Aim: The study assessed the level of awareness on breast cancer and practice of breast self-examination among market women in Ido community, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Study Design: It made use of a descriptive research design.

Place of Study: The study was conducted at the King’s market arena, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Methodology: A sample size of hundred market women was used using a purposive sampling technique. Hundred questionnaires were printed and distributed. The instrument for data collection used for this study was a self-designed questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions both in English and Yoruba languages. In cases of market women who are illiterate, the questions were read out to them. All questionnaires were collected at the spot to avoid loss and a hundred percent of distributed questionnaires were retrieved. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics i.e. the use of tables and representation in percentages, frequency count, bar chart, pie chart and histogram, thereby summarizing the data into more understandable forms. This was followed by interpretation of data.

Results: It was revealed that majority (60%) of the market women claimed to be aware of breast cancer with medical personnel (51%) being the highest source of awareness with a recorded low history (32%) of breast cancer. Meanwhile, majority are not aware of the causes and symptoms of breast cancer but declared it can endangered the self image of women with majority (42%) not knowing their risk of developing breast cancer. Majority (70%) has heard about breast self-examination but only few (40%) practices it regularly.

Conclusion: Despite several studies done on breast cancer in Nigeria, there is still need for urgent optimization and remodeling of practices towards the prevention of breast cancer. There should be continuous awareness program on breast cancer nationwide. Breast self-examination should also be encouraged for early detection.