Knowledge and Perceptions of Breast Cancer Screening among Women in western equatorial state Southern Sudan.
Abstract
Introduction: This study sought to determine the knowledge and perceptions towards breast cancer screening in western equatorial South Sudan. The prevalence of breast cancer is high in South Sudan and it is the highest cause of cancer related mortalities in South Sudan. The World Health Organizations and the member states are fighting hard to reduce the prevalence and incidence of breast cancer. The most effective recommended way of reducing this is through educating the people about early screening of the breasts to detect any abnormality and treat it earlier before advancing to more complex untreatable stages. The mammography services have been made available by the Government of South Sudan for the women to go for screening. The use of these services has not been given the desired attention amid the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done and a case of Western Equatorial State South Sudan quantitative approach was used. The data was collected using the 271 researcher guided questionnaires.
Results: There was low level of knowledge on breast cancer screening. Most especially women did not know the technique to carryout self breast examination. They did not know the effectiveness of the mammography in detecting early stages of breast cancer. The women showed negative perceptions towards the breast cancer screening. Inadequate knowledge and negative perceptions of breast cancer screening therefore explains the high mortality rates of breast cancer in South Sudan
Conclusion: The study therefore showed low levels of breast cancer knowledge. The only way the women and the whole world can be empowered to fight against cancer is through educating the world about cancer. The respondents had low knowledge about the meaning of breast cancer, low knowledge on preventive measures, risk factors, self breast examination, screening and availability of the screening services in this area. There were negative perceptions towards breast cancer. Majority of the women did not have any interest in knowing anything about breast cancer. Most of them did not have any barrier that could stop them from having knowledge, and screening. Despite having these screening services available .This was evidenced by the respondents not reporting any significant barriers that could stop them from using these services.
Recommendation: Breast cancer screening remains the best way of reducing the mortalities of breast cancer across the world and therefore many resources should be directed towards educating women about breast cancer to achieve this goal.
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- Bachelors in Nursing [415]