10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria. Delayed diagnosis contributes significantly to late presentation and poor survival outcomes. Understanding awareness, beliefs, and attitudes is crucial for promoting early diagnosis, which is directly associated with improved survival. This study aimed to explore awareness and practice of breast cancer screening, fatalistic beliefs, and barriers to mammogram among females in university community in Kwara State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from the modified Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire. All items were rated on a five-point Likert scale, where “disagree” or “strongly disagree” indicated less fatalistic beliefs and a more proactive attitude. The study showed that the respondents had good awareness of breast cancer screening, most practiced self-breast examination but poor practice of clinical examination and mammogram. However, practice among students under age 20 years was poor. The respondents demonstrated a proactive attitude toward general health screening, while they held less fatalistic beliefs about breast cancer. Cost was the most significant barrier to mammogram. The awareness and less fatalistic beliefs has not translated into adequate screening practices in the respondents. Health education on the importance of early detection and subsidized mammogram costs are likely to yield significant improvements in early detection.