• Abayomi Yusuf, Ifeoma Okafor, Tope Olubodun, and Olanrewaju Onigbogi.
• Department of Community Health & Primary Care, College of Medicine, Idi-Araba 100254 Lagos, Nigeria.
• Afr Health Sci. 2022 Dec 1; 22 (4): 163016-30.

IntroductionBreast cancer is the most diagnosed female malignancy in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening among female undergraduates in a tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 350 female undergraduates of a public university in southwest Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling method involving simple random sampling. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Epi info 7 was used for data analysis, level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05).ResultsThe majority, 316(90.3%) had poor knowledge of breast cancer and screening and 340(97.1%) had positive attitude towards screening. Only 185(52.9%) had done breast self-examination and 16(4.6%) had done clinical breast examination. The student's year of study was significantly associated with knowledge of breast cancer (p = 0.002) Marital status (p=0.039) and attitude towards breast cancer screening (p<0.001) were significantly associated with breast self-examination. Students in their third year were 6 (2 - 16) times more likely to have good knowledge of breast cancer (Adjusted Odds Ratio 5.87, Confidence Interval 2.17 - 15.86).ConclusionOverall knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening were poor, but students' attitude towards screening was positive. Health education on breast cancer and screening is recommended.© 2022 Yusuf A et al.

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