1.1 Introduction
Breast self-examination is the practice of females of reproductive age frequently examining their breasts to look for abnormalities, enlarged breasts, or lumps and to seek medical assistance right away. Factors that can be used to predict a person's likelihood of acting in a particular situation are known as predictive factors (Ahmed, 2005). There are several scenarios in which the predictive factors for breast screening can be seen, including educational, economic, and physical (Osubor et al., 2006).
Over the course of roughly four decades, there has been a four-fold increase in the incidence of breast cancer and its late presentation. Breast cancer is a prevalent fatal illness that affects women worldwide and in many cultures; each year, more than 4.7 million new cases are reported (Adetifa & Ojikutu, 2009). The identification of predictive characteristics for breast self-examination can aid in encouraging women to engage in this activity, thereby improving early diagnosis of breast cancer and decreasing breast cancer-related mortality (Oluwatosin, 2010).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Over the years, one of the most common and rapidly rising malignant diseases among Iranian women has been breast cancer. Breast cancer is an illness that consumes a lot of material and spiritual resources and affects the patient, family, and community. The breast tissues, especially the ducts (tiny tubes that deliver milk—and lobules—milk-producing glands) are affected by this cancer. Though it seldom affects men, breast cancer is not gender-specific. Some risk factors have been found for breast cancer, despite the fact that the exact aetiology of the disease is unknown. There are various risk factors for various types of cancer. Several risk factors, including drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and eating a certain way of life, are modifiable and contingent on lifestyle choices.
Despite the growing campaigns on breast cancer awareness in Nigeria generally and Southeast particularly (Okobia, Bunker, Okonofua, et al., 2006), the rates of its spread tend to grow while the practice of required remedial practices continue to vary widely among women. Most of the rural women are either unaware of the cancer, have poor knowledge of breast cancer, or exhibit poor preventive and curative practices (Akpo, 2010; Makanguola, Amoo, Ajibade, et al., 2003). Consequently, civil society organizations, and relevant agencies in the Southeast Nigeria embarked on multiple media programmes using different radio channels, televisions, newspapers, and social media to create awareness of the cancer, its preventive and curative behaviours or measures. This paper investigates the phenomenon in Southeast with a view to the level and nature of awareness therein, and the associated influence on the health behaviour of women.
Although many of these risk factors increase the chance of breast cancer development and progress, its exact mechanism is not clear. It seems that hormone plays a very important role in some types of breast cancer; however, its development and progress mechanisms are not very clear. In general, it can be said that such factors as aging, history of breast cancer development in family, certain changes in breasts, genetic changes, history of productivity and menopause, lack of physical activity, alcohol-use, diet and nutrition, race, and radiation therapy to chest are risk factors of breast cancer.
This disease affects different physical, mental, and social aspects of women life. On the other hand, such factors as social and family supports during the illness can reduce its negative impacts.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to find out the level of Awareness of Self Breast Examination as a Method of Detecting Early Breast Abnormality among Female Students.
1.3 Statement of Problems
An investigation found that health care providers continue to face challenges from the rising incidence of breast cancer and its late presentation at an advanced stage, even in the face of health education initiatives aimed at educating women about breast health awareness and the various screening options available.
Little study has been done up to this point on the effectiveness of awareness campaigns in Nigeria's fight against breast cancer, and much less in rural communities. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effect of breast cancer awareness campaigns on Nigerian women's breast cancer prevention.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the level of Awareness of Self Breast Examination as a Method of Detecting Early Breast Abnormality among Female Students. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the level of awareness and practice of breast self-examination among female Students in the study area;
- To determine the attitude of female Students in the study area towards breast self-examination;
- To investigate the practice of breast self-examination among female Students in the study area; and
- To identify the relationships between socio-demographic variables (age, educational level) and level of breast self-examination awareness.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the level of awareness and practice of breast self-examination among female Students in the study area?
- What is the practice level of breast self-examination among female Students in the study area?
- What is the attitude of female Students in the study area towards breast self-examination?
- What are the relationships between socio-demographic variables and level of breast self-examination awareness?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: The awareness of breast self-examination and breast symptoms is not a predictor of utilization of breast screening services among female Students in the study area.
- H1: The awareness of breast self-examination and breast symptoms is a predictor of utilization of breast screening services among female Students in the study area.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no significant relationship between socio-demographic variables and level of breast self-examination awareness.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between socio-demographic variables and level of breast self-examination awareness.
1.7 Significance of Study
The study will enable relevant agencies concerned with eradicating breast cancer in Nigeria in general to appraise the cancer media campaign, its contents, and framework for possible modification. The finding is expected to provide information to health care providers that will shape their education and awareness programmes on breast cancer.
It shall identify the problems limiting the success of the media campaign. The information obtained from this study may be of help to other researchers interested in working in this field as it will serve as a reference material for further research.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Awareness of Self Breast Examination as a Method of Detecting Early Breast Abnormality among Female Students using Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri in Imo State as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Breast Self-examination:
It is a process whereby female of reproductive age examine their breasts regularly to detect any abnormal swelling or lumps to seek prompt medical attention.
Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast.
Symptoms:
It is the sign given when a particular thing want to happen
Diagnosis:
It is the act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease injury through evaluation, examination review of a patient laboratory data.
