ACKNOWLEDGE OF BREAST SELF EXAMINATION AMONG FRESH FEMALE STUDENTS
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ACKNOWLEDGE OF BREAST SELF EXAMINATION AMONG FRESH FEMALE STUDENTS
ABSTRACT
Breast self-examination is a monthly examination that a woman can undertake on her own to detect breast cancer. It is inexpensive and painless, but it is dependent on women’s and young girls’ education and attitudes towards it. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge of breast self-examination among new female students at the University of Benin.
A sample of 200 students was recruited from the study population. A questionnaire was prepared and utilised to collect data. The data was examined with frequency counts and percentages.
The findings revealed that while fresh students have a high degree of awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination, their understanding of BSE is poor, as is their knowledge of breast cancer signs to look for during BSE.
It was suggested, among other things, that curriculum planners include the teaching of breast self inspection in senior secondary school health education curricula, and that workshops and training be organised for instructors to ensure that they provide enough information to their pupils.
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. It is regarded as the world’s biggest cause of cancer mortality in women. According to current research, one out of every eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer at some point in her life.
Although breast cancer often develops after the age of 45, the age range has drastically narrowed, and younger women in their early 20s are developing the disease. Cancer in younger women is typically more aggressive and can result in low survival rates, thus early detection is critical.
The majority of breast cancer deaths occur in underdeveloped nations as a result of a lack of early detection programs, as well as inadequate diagnostic and treatment facilities. This insufficiency has resulted in many women developing the disease in its late stages, with minimal prospects of survival.
Early identification of breast cancer consists of two components: health education to promote early diagnosis and screening. Early diagnosis provides women with more treatment options and a better chance of long-term survival.
This can be accomplished through the use of breast self examination (BSE), clinical breast self examination (CBE), and mammograms. In underdeveloped countries, BSE is viewed as a simple, low-cost, non-invasive, and non-hazardous strategy that encourages women to take responsibility for their health (Narimah 1999).
Breast self-examination has been proposed as a health promotion strategy to help women and young girls become more familiar with their breast, its structure, and how their normal breast should feel, thereby increasing their sensitivity to detect any abnormalities in their breast. Breast self-examination is inexpensive and painless, but its effectiveness is based on women’s and young girls’ education and attitudes towards it.
Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood, during which considerable changes occur in the body. According to studies conducted in Nigeria, women and young girls have limited understanding of breast cancer and its risk factors (Salaudeen, Akande, and Musa, 2009).
Adolescence is a time when students can learn how to shape healthy habits for adulthood. The majority of new undergraduate students are adolescents who need to be taught the necessity of breast self-examination and how to perform it in order to foster positive behaviours towards BSE and seek professional treatment when necessary.
The purpose of assessing breast self-examination knowledge among fresh female students is to raise breast cancer awareness, self-care (an attitude that is established early in life), and improve students’ attitudes towards breast self-examination through health education.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Breast cancer, which is becoming an increasingly common cause of mortality in women worldwide, can be diagnosed early on with regular breast self-examination.
Despite efforts to detect the disease early, breast cancer prevalence and late detection rates continue to rise. Breast self-examination can only be done on a regular basis if people are aware of the disease, its importance, and how to execute it.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
Are undergraduate students aware of breast cancer and self-examination?
Are the new students aware of how and when to examine their breasts for breast cancer lumps?
What is their level of understanding about the symptoms of breast cancer?
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.
The study’s goal is to analyse the level of awareness about breast self-examination among fresh female students at the University of Benin.
Significance of the Study
It will allow curriculum developers to choose what should be included in the secondary school health education curriculum.
It would assist health education teachers in developing health education materials and guides that would enhance teaching tactics for breast self-examination.
Limitations of the study
This study was limited to fresh female undergraduate students at the University of Benin in Benin City. Where the researcher is familiar with the surroundings and is likely to acquire access to the population under study.
Limitations of the Study
Because of the sample size, it was impossible to draw general conclusions from the study’s findings, as the researcher was unable to employ all individuals of the studied population.
Definition of Terms
Breast self-examination: This is a monthly examination that a woman can perform on her own to look for lumps or indications of breast cancer. It entails hand palpation of the breast while standing or lying.
Breast cancer is the uncontrolled proliferation of breast cells that results in a tumour in the breast.
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