Breast Cancer Prevention: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Women in Hospitals Environment in Urban Area of Southern Benin

Introduction: Breast cancer remains a global public health problem. In Benin, it is the first type of cancer developed by women and it causes an important morbidity and mortality. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess women's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding breast cancer screening in a hospital located in the southern side of Benin republic. Framework and study method: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women regarding breast cancer screening. The population studied was made of women of 30 years old minimum admitted at the mother and child hospital (HOMEL) from July 1st to September 30th 2017. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: The participation rate to this survey was 67.1%. The average age of the respondents was 35.2 years old with extremes ranging from 30 to 48 years old. They were traders by profession (43%) with a level of education not exceeding the primary school in 42% of cases. They had heard about breast cancer in more than 9 out of 10 cases; by the media in half of the cases. Breast cancer risk factors were unknown in 51% of cases; Breast self-examination was practiced by 57% of the women, 6% of which conducted it properly. More than 8 out of 10 women (84%) had never been screened for breast cancer. Conclusion: Public awareness must be strengthened by all available means, including media, schools and social gatherings and waiting areas in primary health care centers.