BREAST CANCER AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG WOMEN IN KEFFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Faridah Ladi Apake
Volume 14 Issue 1
Abstract
The study examines breast cancer and health seeking behavior among women in Keffi local government area in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Survey design research was adopted in the study while the sample size for the study was drawn from Keffi local government area of Nasarawa State. The study used primary source of data collection via questionnaire. The study used multi-stage sampling technique in drawing the study sample size of 400 respondents using Yamane formula from the target population. The findings revealed that larger percentages are aware of breast cancer, with health workers and mass media serving as the major sources of information. Despite the reported awareness, the study revealed low consistency in the practice of breast self-examination and clinical breast examination. This limited knowledge has implications for early detection, as it contributes to delayed recognition of symptoms and poor adoption of preventive practices such as breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE). The study recommends that Nasarawa State Ministry of Health and local health authorities should conduct regular community-based awareness campaigns on breast cancer and provide financial support schemes or subsidies to make diagnosis and treatment more affordable for low-income women. Also, affordable and accessible breast cancer screening facilities should be established in primary healthcare centres across Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Periodic free screening exercises should be organized to encourage participation. Keywords: Cancer, Breast Cancer, Health, Awareness, Health Behavior
Download Paper