Assessment of Breast Cancer Knowledge and Screening Services amongst Women of Reproductive age group in northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract: Breast cancer is a global public health burden, with persistently low awareness andlimited practice of preventive examinations. Mortality has risen sharply, making it the fifthleading cause of death and the most common cancer among women worldwide. While earlydetection through self-examination, clinical evaluation, and mammography improves prognosis,most patients in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, present at late stages due to poorawareness, lack of organized screening programs, and inadequate diagnostic and treatmentfacilities.A cross-sectional descriptive study amongst 303 women of reproductive age group was used toassess the awareness, knowledge and screening practices of breast cancer among living inmilitary cantonments in Kaduna State, Nigeria.The results show a progressive level of low awareness of breast self-examination, clinical selfexamination and mammography, underscoring the urgent need for intensified awarenesscampaigns and empowerment initiatives to encourage women to take responsibility for theirhealth and wellbeing.