Effect of Increased Awareness of Breast Cancer on Mammography Uptake in a Suburban Tertiary Centre
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.1102-08-284Keywords:
Breast cancer, Cancer screening, Mammography, Pink month, Reproductive ageAbstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women, especially of reproductive age. Following a report of low community awareness of BC in 2019, the “Pink October Month Campaign” for BC awareness was introduced in Ogbomoso.
Objectives: To assess the effect of increased awareness of breast cancer screening mammograms after the institution of the Pink October Campaign and compare with the years preceding the campaign.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using the screening mammography register of the Radiology Department, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, from 2019 to 2023.
Results: Two hundred and seventeen women presented for a screening mammogram over the two periods, with the age range of 40–80 years. There was more than a double increase in the number of women who presented for screening mammograms after the institution of Pink October Month celebration in the year 2022, when compared to previous years. The age of the women showed a significant association with the findings on their breast parenchyma composition.
Conclusion: Increased awareness of breast cancer screening mammography during the Pink October Month Campaign is a testimony to the effect of health education on screening programmes. This may help in early detection of breast cancer and ultimately reduce associated morbidities and mortality.
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