A STUDY ON BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION PRACTICES AMONG FEMALE NATIONAL YOUTH CORPS SERVICE (NYSC) MEMBERS IN IBADAN

Toheeb Ayodeji Sodiq*, Abdulmuiz Akorede Adewale, Miracle Oladoyin Ojedayo,
Iyanuoluwa Olajumoke Oso, Makuochukwu Collins Mbah, Godswork Odion Ewere,
Onyinye Vivian Ndikata, Oyemi Temi Akinsomisoye, Sakariyau Adio Waheed and Temilade Esther Awolola

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is a type of malignancy that originates in the breast tissue. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The study aims to evaluate the awareness of breast cancer and Breast Self-Examination (BSE) practices among female National Youth Corps Service (NYSC) members In Ibadan. Method: A retrospective study was conducted using data obtained from the female corps members in Ibadan, which cut across all ages, irrespective of syndicate, religion, Marital status, level, and educational status. Results: The research revealed that the majority of the respondents have heard of breast cancer, 136 85%. Just a few of them, 15%, haven’t, while only 5% of them have a family history of breast cancer, and 90% of them don’t have. Unfortunately, only a few of them (17.5%) have discussed breast cancer with healthcare providers. Also, it was observed that 70% (112) of them had heard about Breast Self-Examination, but it was quite disheartening that only 27.5% (44) of them knew the proper technique of doing it, and few of them, 32.5% (52) just received training on Breast Self-Examination while 82.5% (132) of them doesn’t know the causes of the breast cancer which shows their limitations on breast cancer. Conclusion: a study on breast cancer awareness and breast self-examination practices among female National Youth Corps Service (NYSC) Members in Ibadan was conducted.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Awareness, NYSC, Ibadan (Nigeria).