KNOWLEDGE AND BENEFITS OF BREAST SELF-AWARENESS AS AGAINST BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Breast cancer is recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women
which could be attributed to the late diagnosis of the disease. This study was carried out
to assess the knowledge and practice of breast self-awareness as against breast self-
examination for early breast cancer detection. The population of the study was 4115
undergraduates in university of Benin, Edo state Nigeria and a sample size of 210 was
selected. The descriptive survey research design was used. Four research questions were
raised to guide the study. The research instrument used was the questionnaire to elicit
information from respondents. Data obtained was analysed using sample percentage and
frequency count. The findings of this research revealed low knowledge of breast self-
awareness but a high perception of its benefits among the female students. The low level
of knowledge is attributed to the recent adoption and recommendation of the concept for
breast cancer detection by world Health Organisations. Results also revealed a low
knowledge of breast self-examination. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher
recommends that proper health education should be provided for the students by trained
health educators to equip them with adequate knowledge and understanding of breast self-
awareness and its benefits in breast cancer detection. Students should also be properly
enlightened that the compulsory practice of breast self-examination for breast cancer
detection is no longer recommended by health organisations and should therefore be
discouraged therefore a new concept of breast self-awareness has been developed for early
breast cancer detection