TITLE:
Knowledge of Risk Factors and Means of Breast Cancer Screening by Women Seen in Gynecological Consultation at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital-Lome Togo
AUTHORS:
Ameyo Ayoko Ketevi, Djima Patrice Dangbemey, Edem Logboh-Akey, Komlan Alessi Andele, Bingo M’Bortche, Akila Bassowa, Achraf Adou Rahim, Akou Sodina Gblomatsi, Baguilane Douaguibe, Dare Tchin, Abdoul Samadou Aboubakari, Koffi Akpadza
KEYWORDS:
Breast Cancer, Screening, Women, Knowledge, Togo
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.14 No.12,
December
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: In Togo, awareness is very low and patients
regularly present with advanced stages of breast cancer. Objective:
Determine the knowledge of risk factors and means of breast cancer screening by
women seen in gynecological consultation of the Sylvanus Olympio University
Hospital (CHU SO). Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study
conducted at the gynecology-obstetrics clinic of the CHU SO of Lomé, from March
1 to July 15, 2022. Results: We surveyed 1,566 gynaecological
outpatients. Six hundred (600) patients agreed to answer our questions
freely, giving a participation rate of 38.3%. The average age of the
respondents was 31.9 years old. In 25.5% of cases, the respondents were high
school graduates. Five hundred and forty-five of the respondents, or 90.8% had
already heard of breast cancer. The most frequent sources of information were
medical staff in 34.1% of cases. The presence of nodule in the breast was cited
as a clinical sign in 68.4% of cases, breast self-examination as a means of
screening in 72.6% of cases, personal history of breast cancer in 51.7% of the
cases has non-modifiable risks and smoking as a modifiable risk factor by 58.9%
of the respondents. In 31% of cases, they performed breast cancer screening on
their own. Breast self-examination was performed by 27.7% of them. Occupation
and level of study were statistically associated with women’s knowledge of breast
cancer. Conclusion: Most women recognize the existence of breast cancer
but their knowledge about signs and risk factors remains low. Few of them,
practice screening.