| dc.description.abstract | General objective: The overall aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of women and men regarding breast cancer and screening at Antenatal Clinic, Mulago Hospital.
Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional design. One hundred and forty five (145) respondents were included by means of simple random sampling and a researcher administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents for 9 days.
Results: Most (44.8%) of respondents identified positive family history as a potential risk factor for developing breast cancer, 65.5% stated that lump in the breast was a sign/symptom related to breast cancer, Clinical Breast Examination by a doctor as indicated by (75.9%), 96.6% did not know the age at which Breast Self Examination should be started, 98.6% had no idea on how to perform Breast Self Examination, 92.4%) of the respondents did not know the frequency of practicing Breast Self Examination, 94.5% had no idea on the frequency of Clinical Breast Examination and 97.2% of the respondents did not have any idea on the recommended age for starting mammography examination. Majority (88.3%) would consult the doctor if they developed breast cancer, 44.8% would see a doctor within one week if they developed breast lump, 51.7% of the respondents were unsure of the risk for developing breast cancer, 71.7% believed that they did not have any risk factors for breast cancer, 51.7% believed that breast cancer was not curable and 55.9% of the respondents supported the statement that long time survival is rare due to breast cancer. Majority (96.6%) had never practiced Breast Self Examination, 97.2% had never undergone Clinical Breast Examination and all respondents (100%) had never undergone mammography examination.
Conclusion: Respondents in this study lacked adequate knowledge, had poor attitude and inappropriate practice about breast cancer and screening. The main barrier to breast cancer screening was lack of information, having no breast problem, not having visible signs and symptoms of breast cancer and associated cost among others.
Recommendation: Awareness campaigns and subsidizing the costs for clinical breast examination and mammography by Ministry of Health would improve survival from breast cancer. Involving all people in this awareness will greatly improve the current situation. | en_US |
