The Impact of Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns on Women's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Uganda's Kampala District

Abstract

In Uganda, breast cancer affects 116 out of every 100,000 women. Worldwide, the yearly incidence rate of breast cancer (BRCA) is more than 1 million cases and more than 411,000 deaths. In underdeveloped nations, the survival rate is less than 50%, while in industrialized nations, it is 90%. Studies have shown that this is caused by delayed diagnosis and identification of breast cancer (BRCA), as well as by inadequate understanding, attitudes, and practices about BRCA, its causes, risk factors, and screening methods. Since the success of these campaigns to raise awareness, alter negative attitudes toward BRCA prevention and treatment, and improve the use of screening methods is highly dependent on their influence, the MTN Foundation, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Breast Cancer Action, and Miss University Uganda campaigners have resorted to aggressive awareness and sensitization programs aimed at increasing knowledge, changing attitudes, and improving the practice of all necessary screening procedures. To determine the degree of awareness and exposure, knowledge level, attitude, and screening practice among women in Kampala District, a survey and in-person interviews were employed. The causes of unhealthy habits and their effects were explained by the Health Believe Model and the Attitude Change Theory. The results showed a cursory understanding of BRCA symptoms, causes, genetic testing, BSE, and CBE. Strongly negative emotional and psychological beliefs also impact that attitude. As a result, the study stressed the need of preventive rather than curative methods and acknowledged the contribution of breast cancer campaigns to the cause. Keywords: Breast cancer, Campaigns, Self-examination, Risk factors.