ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy and commonly associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality in developing countries due to late presentation. Statistic indicates that 15000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually and a prevalence of about 25000 cases throughout the country, cancer is being recognized as a public health problem in Cameroon. Breast self-examination (BSE) can help in early detection of the disease. The objective of this study was to assess female adolescent’s knowledge of breast cancer. In order, to achieve the objectives of the study, a non-probability sampling technique called random sampling was employed to sampled 150 participants of age 10-19years in MOLYKO community in Buea. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel 2010. Findings of the study revealed, the mean age of the female adolescent’s was 16-19 years. Majority of the females were single (64.3%), and most have attended a secondary level of education (49.0%). With regards to the obstetric characteristics of the females, 35.3% of them have been pregnant once in their life times while 53.3% were nulligravida. This study therefore reveals that most participants have heard of breast cancer as a disease entity; however, adequate knowledge and understanding of the disease is still lacking. Furthermore, the awareness of cancer and knowledge of BSE was high, but however, the practice of BSE and other methods of early detection of breast cancer among women in Buea is very much on the low side. Thus it was recommended that, Improvement in the knowledge and practice rates of BSE would allow the detection of breast cancer at an early stage which could consequently lower mortality rates.

Keywords: Breast self-examination, cancer, knowledge, women

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF STUDY

1.0 Introduction

This chapter specifically gives an introduction to the background of the study, the problem statement, the research objective, the research questions, significant of the study, scope of the study, conceptual and operational definitions of key terms.

1.1 Background of the Study

Conceptually, Breast self-examination involves the woman self-looking at and feeling the breast for lumps, texture, shape, size and contours. (Marcia Boraas et al, 2019) Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mobility and mortality worldwide (Forman, 2010). It is a worldwide problem linked with high level of mobility and mortality especially in developing countries due to delayed presentation. Breast cancer affects more than one million females annually; the incidence increases the adaptation of western lifestyle (American Cancer Society, 2008).

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in Africa.  Women of  about 20years and above of aged are often at risk of breast lump and Rates of breast cancer are low under 40 and the rates begin to increase after 40years and the highest age at risk is from 50-60 years and above so therefore there is need for monthly Breast Self-examination (BSE) (Kocic et al., 2011).. Early detection involves two major components which are: Education to encourage early diagnosis and screening. Breast self-examination and clinical examination are other methods that can be used to detect any changes in the breast.

 Contextually, In Cameroon breast cancer causes as many as 10.7 deaths per 100,000 women making it the second cause of cancer mortality. (Asoh, 2012)

Empirically, several researchers have identified factors that interfere with breast cancer screening practices. These studies have shown that the factors that interfere with breast cancer screening practices are: fear, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, forgetfulness, lack of knowledge, and lack of confidence by women to carry out their own breast self-examination (Banegas, 2010). Previous studies on breast self-examination have shown that improving public knowledge and attitude about cancer can positively affect “individuals” screening behaviors (Cochrane, 2013According to Powe, (2015), nurses do not teach detection of breast cancer, perhaps because the breast promotion content is not part of the educational program or perhaps due to the lack of emphasis on the breast health promotion content.   It is important to adequately motivate women to regularly carry out BSE so as to curtail the increasing mortality rate from breast cancer (Hacshaw, 2013).

In fact, regular BSE has been suggested as part of overall health promotion concept.  Thus this study was conducted to assess the knowledge of female Adolescents of the Buea Molyko community on breast cancer, the practice of breast self-examination and to describe the perception, risk factors and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

1.2 Statement of Problem

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 8.8 million deaths in 2015 and nearly 10 million death in 2020 (WHO, 2022). The most common cancer death are cancers of the breast (1.69 million deaths), liver (788000 deaths), and colorectal (774000 deaths), stomach (754000 deaths), lungs (571000 deaths) (Plummer et al., 2012).

breast cancer pose a great effect on the families, sick individual and the economy  for the families it causes a traumatic creating an array of emotion such as anger, fear, depression. For the economy the treatment results in the loss of economic resources and opportunities for patients, families, employers and society overall. These losses include financial loss, morbidity, reduced quality of life, and premature death. (K. Robin et al., 2018).

Breast cancer is a call for concern worldwide. Studies have shown that, one of the ways to avoid this problem is through breast self-examination where early diagnosis can lead to proper management therefore the earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances for treatment and survival. Statistic

Indicates that 15000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually and a prevalence of about 25000 cases throughout the country, cancer is being recognized as a public health problem in Cameroon (Orock et al., 2012). It seems there is under sensitization as to the benefits of BSE. The cause of breast cancer remains unknown and thus the disease cannot be prevented. Approximately 90% of breast cancer is curable if treated in its early stages. Detection of breast cancer at an early stage improves treatment options, specific opportunities for treatment, and survival. Considering the eminent danger and possibilities of lack of knowledge especially in remote communities, this study deems it necessary to investigate the knowledge and practice of BSE by female adolescents aged 10-19 years in the Buea Molyko community.

1.3 Rationale

The aim or goal of this study is to improve knowledge of breast self examination and the predisposing factors of breast cancer.

1.4 Research Questions

Do females Adolescents in the Buea Molyko community have knowledge on breast cancer?

What idea do female Adolescents in the Buea Molyko community have on the risk factors of breast cancer?

What are the practices of female Adolescents in the Buea Molyko community with respect to breast self-examination?

1.5 Research hypothesis

There is a significant level of knowledge and practice of self-examination by females in the Buea Molyko community

1.6 Objectives

1.6.1. General Objective

Assessing female adolescents (10 to 19 years) knowledge on the pre disposing factors of breast cancer and practice on breast self-examination in Molyko community

1.6.2 Specific Objectives

To assess the knowledge of female adolescents in the molyko community on breast cancer.

To assess the knowledge of female Adolescents in the Buea Molyko community on the risk factors of breast cancer.

To examine the practice of female Adolescents on breast self-examination