Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and a principal cause of cancer death among women globally. Once considered a disease of high income countries, about 50% of breast cancer and 58% of breast cancer deaths occur in developing nations. The five year survival rate among with newly diagnosed breast cancer in the United States has reached 89%. In contrast, breast cancer cure rates in low income countries are estimated to be below 40%. Many advances in the breast cancer control in high- income countries like the United States are attributed to attention to disease risk factors and symptoms, advances in early detection, and accessible and effective multimodality treatment. The majority of breast cancer affected women from low income countries like Tanzania present with advanced stage disease, resulting in limited therapeutic options and persistently high mortality rates. Delays in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in developing nations are attributed to patient, healthcare provider, and system mediated barriers to early detection and care
Little is known about general breast cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection practices among women from low resource countries, including Tanzania. This baseline knowledge is essential to the development culturally and linguistically appropriate educational program that promote understanding of and attention to evidence based, lifestyle directed breast cancer prevention interventions, breast health awareness, and early detection and treatment.
Breast cancer awareness in developing countries is not well documented, and what is known is far from encouraging, as comparatively few women in these areas have adequate knowledge of the risk factors and preventive measures or screening techniques for early detection. The lack of knowledge and incorrect held beliefs about breast cancer prevention among females are responsible for the negative perception of the curability of cancer detected early and of the efficacy of the screening test. It is, therefore, important to assess the level of awareness of risk factors in our communities.
Objectives: to assess awareness of breast cancer among female secondary school students at Nyamagana district in Mwanza. To determine the knowledge of breast cancer among female secondary students at Nyamagana district in Mwanza
Methodology: A cross sectional study will be used to assess the awareness and knowledge among female secondary school students. Questionnaires will be distributed to the female secondary students who will meet the criteria for the participation.
Data obtained from questionnaires will be analyzed by using computer software SPSS version 20 program. The findings of the study will help decision makers in the planning of breasting cancer programs in secondary schools for early detection of breast CA.