The impact of a breast cancer educational intervention in Ghanaian high schools

Abstract

Introduction Globally breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer with an estimated 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths in 2020. Late presentation is the hallmark of breast cancer in Ghana for which ignorance and fear are the major reasons fuelled largely by myths and misconceptions. Breast cancer awareness and education needs to start early to bring about a change in knowledge, attitude and practices. However, Breast cancer awareness activities in Ghana have usually targeted adult women. This study assessed the impact of breast cancer education among adolescent high school girls in Ghana. Methodology A pre- post-test quasi experimental study was conducted at two senior high schools. A self-administered pre-educational questionnaire was followed by an educational intervention consisting of a drama, PowerPoint lecture, question and answer session and distribution of breast cancer information leaflets. After 3 months the same questionnaire was administered as a post-education test to assess the impact of the educational intervention. The total score for each domain was categorised into adequate knowledge > 50% and inadequate knowledge < 50%. Results The number of participants in the pre-test and post-test were 1043 and 1274; the median ages [IQR] were 16.0 [15.0–17.0] for both the pre and post-test students. General knowledge on breast cancer at pre-education (29.1%) improved to 72.5% (p < 0.001). Knowledge on signs and symptoms improved from 33.1 to 55% (p < 0.001); knowledge on risk factors improved from 55.3 to 79.2% (p < 0.001), and knowledge on breast self-examination and screening improved from 9.8 to 22.2% (p < 0.001). The overall performance of the students improved from 17.2 to 59.4% (p < 0.001). Conclusion There is inadequate knowledge about breast cancer and self-examination among senior high school girls in Ghana. Our breast cancer educational intervention was effective in improving general knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms and breast self-examination. The overall knowledge base improved from 17.2 to 59.4% 3 months post intervention, accompanied by an increase in the reported practice of breast self-examination and a greater belief that breast cancer is curable. This study has demonstrated the need for a school breast cancer educational program and that breast cancer education in high schools is effective.

Effect of Breast Cancer Awareness Education in Adolescent Girls: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…Consistent with these results, several studies indicate that adolescents possess limited knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms. 4,22,23 The results of this study demonstrate that the educational intervention significantly increased adolescent knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms, aligning with the results of studies conducted in other countries. 4,[23][24][25][26] Similar to our results, the study by Al-Hosni et al 24 found that the educational program increased adolescents' knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms.…”

“…4,22,23 The results of this study demonstrate that the educational intervention significantly increased adolescent knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms, aligning with the results of studies conducted in other countries. 4,[23][24][25][26] Similar to our results, the study by Al-Hosni et al 24 found that the educational program increased adolescents' knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and symptoms. In a study conducted in two high schools, the knowledge level of adolescents about breast cancer risk factors increased from 33% to 55%, and the knowledge level regarding these risk factors rose from 55.0% to 79.0%.…”

“…In a study conducted in two high schools, the knowledge level of adolescents about breast cancer risk factors increased from 33% to 55%, and the knowledge level regarding these risk factors rose from 55.0% to 79.0%. 23 to enhance awareness among young people about breast cancer, provide practices for breast cancer prevention (such as self-breast examinations), and assist them in adopting health-promoting behaviors. 27 With increased awareness, lifestyle changes can potentially impact young women, encouraging them to avoid known risk factors.…”

Efektivitas Media Edukasi SADARI terhadap Deteksi Dini Kanker Payudara: Literature Review

“…Setelah 3 bulan didapatkan bahwa pengetahuan umum tentang kanker payudara pada pra-pendidikan (29,1%) meningkat menjadi 72,5% (p<0,001), pengetahuan tentang tanda dan gejala meningkat dari 33,1% menjadi 55% (p<0,001), pengetahuan tentang faktor risiko meningkat dari 55,3% menjadi 79,2% (p<0,001), dan pengetahuan tentang pemeriksaan dan skrining payudara meningkat dari 9,8% menjadi 22,2% (p<0,001), dan kinerja siswa secara keseluruhan meningkat dari 17,2% menjadi 59,4% (p<0,001). Intervensi edukasi dan pembagian leaflet untuk dibawa pulang oleh para siswi efektif dalam meningkatkan dan mempertahankan ingatan tentang kanker payudara tentang pengetahuan umum kanker payudara, faktor risiko, tanda dan gejala, serta pemeriksaan payudara sendiri (24).…”

Availability and Geographic Access to Hospital-Based Breast Cancer Diagnostic Services in Ghana

“…15 , 16 To achieve this, first, a thorough understanding of the barriers to accessing breast cancer early detection and diagnostic services is required. In Ghana, several barriers have been cited, including lack of community knowledge and misconceptions of breast cancer to allow for early recognition, 17 , 18 perceived and actual costs associated with seeking care, 19 , 20 and distance required to travel to access available services, 21 , 22 among others. Currently, geographic availability and access to breast cancer early diagnostic services in Ghana are not well defined.…”