Breast Cancer Screening: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Female University Students in The Gambia

Table 2

Knowledge of respondents on breast cancer.

Variable		%
Heard about breast cancer
Yes	355	100%
Source of information
Mass media	223	62.8
Health professional	117	33
School	86	24.2
Friends	52	14.6
Family member	30	8.5
Knew breast examination methods
Clinical breast examination	208	58.4
Mammography	121	34.1
Breast self-examination	195	54.9
Knew positions of breast self-examination (BSE)
Standing	30	9.3
Lying	28	7.9
In the shower	18	5.1
Do not know	279	78.6
knew the suitable period to perform BSE
Before menstruation	12	3.4
During menstruation	29	8.2
5th to 7th day of menstrual cycle	27	7.6
Anytime	51	14.4
Do not know	236	66.5
Knew breast screening is helpful for early detection of breast cancer
Yes	290	81.7
No	24	6.8
Do not know	41	11.5
Knew early detection of breast cancer can improve survival
Yes	295	83.1
No	7	2
Do not know	53	14.9
Knew risk factors of breast cancer
Obesity/overweight	125	35.2
Old age	80	22.5
Family history of breast cancer	204	57.5
Birth of first child after the age of 30 years	55	15.5
Early onset of menses (before age 12)	55	15.5
Late menopause (after 55 years)	40	11.3
Late initiation of breastfeeding	138	38.9
Being a woman	214	60.3
Cigarette smoking/alcohol consumption	168	47.3
Sedentary lifestyle	145	40.8
Use of oral contraceptive	80	22.5
Composite knowledge score
Low knowledge	162	45.6
Good knowledge	193	54.4

Multiple responses.