Uptake of breast cancer screening methods: perspectives of members of staff of Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) was ranked the most common among the top ten malignancies in 2022, evidenced by high incidence and rates rapid mortality and morbidity rates in Nigeria. BC screening method (BCSM) helps to discover BC early, gives more treatment options and raises cancer survival rates. Little is known about the utilisation of BCSM in this community, which prompted this study.

Objective: This study was conducted among the staff of the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, and it assessed their knowledge, attitudes and use of BCSM.

Methods: This study selected 270 staff members using a descriptive cross-sectional method and a convenience sampling technique. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Hypotheses were tested using chi-square, multiple linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient at a 0.05 level of significance.

Results: The study's results showed a high BCSM knowledge level of 71.9% but a low utilisation level of 57.8%; however, there was a positive attitude towards utilisation. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between staff members' gender, age, educational qualifications, department and both their knowledge and utilisation of BCSM (p < 0.05). The Pearson correlation revealed a positive trend between knowledge and utilisation.

Conclusion: BCSM offers an opportunity for early detection, diagnosis and disease prevention of BC; it also serves as an avenue to inform and enlighten people on important health issues, including health promotion activities and screening as they pertain to BC. More BC awareness programs are advocated to educate people on the importance of BC Screening to enhance early detection and treatment.