ASSISTANT
Title: Exploring Knowledge and Attitude towards Breast Cancer among Working Women in Kaduna State Civil Service: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Study
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Breast cancer is a significant global health challenge and stands as the most common malignancy affecting women worldwide (Bray et al., 2018). In recent years, Nigeria has recorded an alarming increase in breast cancer incidence and mortality rates (Jedy-Agba et al., 2020). As part of Northern Nigeria, Kaduna State is also grappling with this increasing health concern that disproportionately affects women. Early detection and diagnosis play a critical role in determining the prognosis, management, and possible curative treatment of breast cancer (American Cancer Society, 2017). However, research has consistently shown that the knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer among Nigerian women largely influence their involvement in early detection practices (Azubuike et al., 2018). As a result, there is a necessity to understand the factors contributing to breast cancer awareness and detection among working women in Kaduna State Civil Service.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The growing incidence rates of breast cancer in Nigeria have raised concerns about the various factors that may potentially impede early detection practices, most notably inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes towards breast cancer screening initiatives (Azubuike et al., 2018). A previous study conducted in Northern Nigeria indicated that a mere 15.4% of women participated in breast self-examination, a vital early detection practice (Musa et al., 2017). Most respondents cited lack of knowledge as the primary barrier to their involvement in such crucial health practices. In light of this, it becomes increasingly important to address the knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer among working women in Kaduna State Civil Service, considering they form a substantial proportion of the local female population.
1.3 Research Objectives
The specific objectives of this comprehensive cross-sectional study are to:
1. Assess the level of knowledge about breast cancer, its risk factors, signs, and symptoms among the working women in Kaduna State Civil Service.
2. Investigate the attitude of Kaduna State Civil Service working women towards breast cancer screening practices, such as breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography.
3. Examine the sources of information about breast cancer accessed by the working women in Kaduna State Civil Service and identify any gaps or misconceptions in the information they receive.
4. Identify sociodemographic factors associated with the knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer among working women in Kaduna State Civil Service, such as age, level of education, and occupation.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This study aims to provide valuable data that will contribute significantly to the understanding of breast cancer awareness and screening practices among working women in Kaduna State Civil Service. By identifying the existing gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practice, this research can inform the development of tailored and culturally sensitive breast cancer intervention and awareness programs. These programs, in turn, will improve early detection rates and reduce breast cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the studied population.
Furthermore, this research may contribute to dialogue development and strategic policy implementation at the state and national levels that could advance long-term initiatives for cancer prevention and control. By addressing the specific knowledge gap in the area of breast cancer awareness among working women in Kaduna State Civil Service, this study could lead to improved health outcomes, not just for the women directly affected but also for their communities and families.
References
American Cancer Society. (2017). Breast cancer facts & figures 2017-2018. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures/breast-cancer-facts-and-figures-2017-2018.pdf
Azubuike, S. O., Celestina, U., & Victor, U. (2018). Knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast cancer screening among women in urban communities in Southeast Nigeria. Journal of Global Oncology, 4, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1200/JGO.17.00033
Bray, F., Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Siegel, R. L., Torre, L. A., & Jemal, A. (2018). Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 68(6), 394-424. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21492
Jedy-Agba, E., Joko, W. Y., Liu, B., Buziba, N. G., Borok, M., Korir, A., Masamba, L., Ogunbiyi, O. J., Oga, E. A., Osubor, G., Rambau, P., Sitas, F., Swaminathan, R., Shamsuddeen, U., Wabinga, H., Obiorah, C., Nzaramba, F., Chokunonga, E., & Parkin, D. M. (2020). Trends in breast cancer incidence in 18 countries in sub-Saharan Africa: A joinpoint analysis. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.13.20211364
Musa, J., Achenbach, C., Evans, C., Jordan, N., Schrantz, S., Bassey, D., Otoyo, P., Sidney, K., Felix, P., Salami, K., Adewunmi, A., Atanda, T., Kingsley, G., & Wada, I. (2017). Barriers to breast cancer screening in Nigeria: A survey of two communities in Nigeria. Cambridge Open Engage. https://doi.org/10.14293/S2199-1006.1.SOR-