Knowledge and Attitude Towards the Uptake of Breast Cancer Screening Services among Women of Childbearing Age in Mengo Hospital Kampala Uganda.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of a breast cell that can multiply, spread and affect other parts of the body. Approximately 1.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide corresponding to 460.000 deaths annually. The high rates of breast cancer if not managed properly could lead to a global hazard.

The general objective of the study was set out to assess the knowledge and attitude towards the uptake of breast cancer screening services among women of child bearing age receiving care in Mengo hospital, Kampala.

A cross sectional study involving a sample size of 243 women of child bearing age was involved in the study. The women involved in the study were selected using simple random sampling and data collected using semi-structured questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions.

Majority of the women 139 (57.3%) had ever gone for breast cancer screening and the most 76.9% of the women were using breast self examination technique as compared to 15.9% who were using clinical breast examination. The uptake of the breast cancer screening services was found to be moderate with slightly more than half of the study population utilizing the services. The level of knowledge of the respondents was high on different aspects of breast cancer screening. The attitude of the women towards breast cancer screening was mainly positive and women were willing to go for the screening services as well as recommend them to others.

Continuous sensitization and awareness on the availability of screening services is required and emphasis on early detection and treatment should be made by all stakeholder including the government, Ministry of Health, NGOs and health workers.