Background:
Breast and Cervical cancer are the leading female cancers in Cross River state. This study describes the level of breast and cervical cancer knowledge and screening behaviour among female staff of the University of Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to access the rate of breast and cervical screening behaviour among women working in the University of Calabar community
Methods:
Participants were recruited from females working in the University of Calabar using a well structured questionnaire to draw out information on knowledge, screening behaviors and awareness of breast and cervical cancer. The study characteristics was investigated using predictive analytical software (PASW)
Results:
The study revealed poor knowledge and screening behaviour among female staff of the University of Calabar community. About 26% of the respondents reported to have ever had a pap test and 74% reported as never having done Pap test. Ninety two (92%) of the subjects perform self breast examination while 8% do not. The frequency distribution of those that perform self breast examination are as follows 44% every month, 10% every 2months, 12% every 3months and 34% after every 3months. 66% of the women had reportedly been going for professional breast checkup, 24% do not while 10% were not sure. A negligible number of these women have had routine mammography. The study also revealed that most of the women were well educated as follows, 84% have had tertiary education, 12% secondary education and 4% primary education
Conclusions:
The study revealed poor knowledge and screening behaviors of cervical cancer among female staff of the University community, despite the fact that the majority of these women were educated. Thus, there is an urgent need for comprehensive breast and cervical cancer education campaign in this community.