Knowledge attitude and practice of breast cancer examination among women attending Extension 2 Clinic Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract

Background: Screening for early detection and diagnosis of diseases and health conditions is an important public health principle. Breast cancer examination is whereby a woman will examine the breast by Breast Self Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), and Mammogram.

Objective: The main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast cancer examination among women attending Extension 2 clinic in Gaborone, Botswana.

Method: The cross-sectional quantitative study design to examine knowledge, attitude and practice of women attending Extension 2 clinic in Gaborone was carried out between August and September 2009 using an interviewer administered questionnaire designed by the researcher.

Results: The study was conducted among 375 women attended at extension 2 clinic. Study participants had low knowledge of breast cancer examination. The overall mean knowledge score was 49.7%. The commonest presentation of breast cancer which is a painless breast lump only a third 128(34.1%) of the respondents knew about it. The participants had a positive attitude towards breast cancer examination. Practice of breast cancer examination was unacceptable. Out of 238

Of those who practiced breast self examination (63.5% ) (BSE), only 88(23.5%) of the respondents practiced monthly as required. Similarly only 85(22.7%) of the respondents had visited a doctor for clinical breast examination (CBE) in the past year. Mammogram practice was also unacceptable only 6 (1.6%) of the respondents had done mammogram in the past 2 years. There was no association between socio-demographic characteristics with the knowledge attitude and practice of breast cancer examination.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that women attending at extension 2 clinic had low knowledge of breast cancer examination. Despite having positive attitude towards breast cancer examination, minority practiced breast self examination, clinical breast examination and mammogram. There was no association between socio-demographic characteristics with the knowledge of breast cancer. Therefore the Government should develop a policy on breast cancer screening. Awareness and advocacy campaign on breast cancer screening should be increased in the country.