Awareness of Breast and Cervical Cancer among Women in the Informal Sector in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: There are no general consensuses on why the lifetime risk of dying from breast and cervical cancer in African is several times higher than that of developed countries. However, a notable window of opportunity for prevention and treatment are often wasted where there are little or no awareness and low level of screening. AIM: To specifically highlight the awareness, knowledge and determinants of participation in the screening exercise for possible prevention or control of the diseases. To also provide insights on the development of contextual and relevant timely detection for effective early interventions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in southern and northern geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The respondents, which consisted of 1,023 women aged 15-49 years, completed a 116-item questionnaire assessing the correlation between cancer awareness and participation in screening. Nineteen, In-depth interviews were also conducted for this study. The outcome measured included awareness of breast and cervical cancer, how it can be prevented or detected, and the availability and actual participation in screening exercises. RESULTS: While women are familiar with breast cancer, little is known about cervical cancer, and the awareness of the former is not correlated with participation in screening. THE LACK OF ENTHUSIASM TO SEEK SCREENING EXERCISE IS ROOTED IN THREE KEY FACTORS: lack of specific information, belief, economic and inadequate screening facilities. CONCLUSION: The study thus recommends that policies and programs aimed at the breast and cervical cancers awareness and early intervention should address the underlying problems.