Knowledge and Attitude of Female Undergraduate Students towards Breast Cancer Media Awareness Campaign in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State

Abstract

This paper investigates the knowledge and attitude of female undergraduate students towards breast cancer media awareness campaign in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State. It was noted that despite the rising burden of breast cancer globally, studies assessing KAP related to BCS among university students in rural or semi-urban settings remain limited. Students in these areas often encounter substantial barriers to accessing health information and screening services due to infrastructural, educational, and socioeconomic constraints. Thus, the study reviewed the concept of breast cancer and types of breast cancer. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all the female students in the degree programme, totaling one thousand, four hundred and fifty (1,450) female students. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 200 students used for the study. The sample was done using simple random sampling technique. The major instrument used for data collection was a self structured questionnaire. The data generated in the course of the research study was analyzed using weighted mean. The findings revealed that having a close family member with breast cancer, early menstruation and late menopause increase breast cancer risk. Again use of oral contraceptives for a long time may slightly increase risk, are the level of knowledge of breast cancer and BSE among female undergraduate students. It was also reported that most students do not know the correct steps to perform breast self-examination, where to go for clinical breast examination; students believe that breast cancer cannot happen to them because they are still young, and that students feel shy or embarrassed to touch their breasts for examination. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others that the school management should integrate practical breast self-examination (BSE) demonstrations into General Studies and orientation programmes.