KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION FOR EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN WELLSPRING UNIVERSITY, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

TOPIC: KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION FOR EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN WELLSPRING UNIVERSITY, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1-Department of Nursing Science
2-Department of Public Health
3-Department of Community Health
4-Department of Medical Laboratory Science
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/Citations
3-Tables in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnaire

ABSTRACT 
This study was carried out to examine the knowledge, awareness and practice of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer among female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State. The study was specifically carried out to assess the knowledge and awareness of breast cancer among female undergraduates in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State, ascertain the rate of practice of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer among female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State, and identify the factors influencing the practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. Hence, the questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. The hypothesis test was conducted using Cross Sectional Chi-square statistical tool, SPSS v.23. A total population of 848 female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State was used for the study. A sample size of 272 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling methods, while 257 validated questionnaires were retrieved and used for analysis. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that female undergraduate students had a moderate level of knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, with 67.3% and 67.7% of respondents affirming awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination respectively. The study also showed a moderate rate of practice of breast self-examination, with 49.0% of respondents indicating regular monthly practice. Likewise, the study further revealed that several factors influenced breast self-examination practice, including knowledge level at 60.4%, fear of discovering abnormalities at 54.9%, academic workload at 55.6%, and health education at 61.5%. The hypothesis tested revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and practice of breast self-examination at χ² = 38.64, P = .000. The study therefore recommends that university management and health professionals should intensify awareness campaigns and practical training programs on breast self-examination to promote early detection of breast cancer among female undergraduate students.
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Breast Self-Examination, Knowledge, Awareness, Practice.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
According to the World Health Organization (2026), breast cancer develops when abnormal breast cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Breast cancer cells begin to grow inside the milk ducts and the milk producing lobules of the mammary gland. The earliest form of breast cancer isn’t and can be detected and treated. Cancer cells can spread into the breast tissues (invasion) surrounding the milk ducts and milk producing lobules (where the breast cancer cells had begin to grow from), thereby creating tumors that can cause lumps. Invasive cancers can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, which can lead to metastasis. Metastasis can be life-threatening and fetal to one’s health. Treatment have been discovered to be based on the person, the type of cancer and how it spreads round the body (World Health Organization, 2026). It’s important that the public gain awareness of breast cancer, especially women as they have a higher risk of getting diagnosed, and practice of breast self-examination or early detection and treatment of breast cancer. 
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide (World Health Organization, 2026). Globally, its been estimated that breast cancer has inequities in the breast cancer burden according to human development. For instance, in countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI), 1 in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 71 women die of it. In 2022 alone, there was an estimation of 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 deaths globally (World Health Organization, 2026). Breast cancer occurs in every country in the world in women of any age after puberty but with increasing rates later in life. In contrast to this, countries with low HDI, 1 in 27 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 48 women die from it (World Health Organization, 2026). It remains a major health concern especially among women as the female gender happens to be the strongest breast cancer risk factor (world Health Organization, 2026).  Approximately 99% of breast cancers occur in women and 0.5-1% of breast cancers occur in men. Also, approximately 80% of breast cancers develop in women who have no modifiable breast cancer risk factor other than the female gender risk and age (over 40 years) risk too (World Health Organization, 2026).
Mortality rate can be reduced when breast cancer cases are detected and treated early. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breast cancer mortality (World Health Organization, 2026). There are two components of early detection which include early diagnosis and screening. Sadoh et al. (2021) reported that educational interventions significantly improved the knowledge of breast cancer and breast self-examination among female adolescents. Late awareness and presentation of breast cancer cases contribute to poor outcomes. Awareness creation among adolescents may result in modification of some risk factors for beast cancer with an adoption of healthy lifestyles such as accessing early detection activities (Sadoh et al. 2021).
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting Nigerian women and continues to contribute significantly to cancer-related mortality (Uruntie et al., 2024). 
Although many young women are aware of breast cancer, detailed knowledge regarding risk factors and preventive measures remains inadequate among some female students (Sadoh et al. 2021).
BSE (Breast Self-Examination) become the best way to detect breast cancer at its very early stages. Breast self-examination enables women to become familiar with the normal appearance and eel of their breasts, thereby facilitating the early identification of abnormalities (Sadoh et al., 2021).
Despite the awareness of breast self-examination, regular practice among female students remains low (Uruntie et al., 2024). This just means that the knowledge of BSE does not always translate to practicing it. According to Omo and Isara study (2025), the overall knowledge of breast cancer and its associated risk factors are poor among female students, but the practice of BSE seems fair. Its therefore recommended, that there should be a lot of awareness campaign and advocacy for health education on breast cancer and its early prevention measures (Omo et al., 2025).
In the past, several studies have done an examination on the knowledge, awareness and practice of breast self-examination among female students in different parts of Nigeria. However, there is limited information regarding these variables among female undergraduates in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer among female undergraduate students in the institution.

1.2 Statement of problem
Globally, there was an estimation in 2022 of about 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 deaths globally (WHO, 2026). Breast cancer occurs in every country of the world in women at any age after puberty but with increasing rates in later life. Global estimation reveals that in countries with a very high human development index (HDI), 1 in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 71 women die of it. Contrary to this information, in countries with low HDI, 1 in 27 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 48 women die from it (WHO, 2026). According to Uruntie et al. (2024), in Nigeria, breast cancer is a disorder marked by the unchecked growth of breast cells, has been the commonest cancer among women in Nigeria. 
Early detection can reduce mortality but many women still lack adequate knowledge and screening practices. According to WHO (2026), mortality is reduced when breast cancer cases are detected and treated early. There are two components of early detection, which include, early diagnosis such as being aware of signs and symptoms of breast cancer and the importance of seeking medical advice for abnormal findings, timely clinical evaluation and diagnosis and referral treatment services too. The second component is screening and it involves the application of mammography in an apparently healthy population, usually women 50-69 years of age, to identify pre-clinical lesions before recognizable signs or symptoms appear. 
Many female undergraduates are within an age group where healthy screening habits can be developed, yet studies show poor BSE practice. According to Uruntie et al. (2024), studies have reported inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and poor practices of BSE among undergraduate female students.
Although, studies have been conducted among female students in several Nigerian institutions, there is a limited information regarding the knowledge, awareness and practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State. This knowledge gap is so necessary to conduct this study.
1.3 Objectives of the study
The main objective of this study is to access the knowledge, awareness and practice of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer among Female Undergraduates Students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State.
The specific objectives include;
1.To assess the knowledge and awareness of breast cancer among female undergraduates in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State.
2.To ascertain the rate of practice of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer among female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State.
3.To identify the factors influencing the practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research questions
1.5 Research hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the study
1.8 Operational definition of terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of breast cancer, the concept of breast self-examination, knowledge and awareness of breast self-examination, the practice of breast self-examination, the importance of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer, and factors influencing the knowledge, awareness and practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduate students etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY  (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises female undergraduate students of Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 272 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire titled “Knowledge, Awareness and Practice of Breast Self-Examination for Early Detection of Breast Cancer among Female Undergraduate Students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State” as the instrument for data collection.

Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their opinions. Inferential statistics, such as Cross-sectional Chi-square, were used to test the hypotheses.
Full outline for chapter three:
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Research Setting
3.3 Target Population
3.4 Sample Size
3.5 Sampling Technique
3.6 Instruments For Data Collection
3.7 Validity and Reliability of Instrument
3.8 Pilot Study
3.9 Method of Data Collection
3.10 Method Of Data Analysis
3.11 Ethical considerations

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made: 

i. The study found that female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State, demonstrate a good level of knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, as evidenced by their awareness of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, warning signs, and the role of breast self-examination in early detection.

ii. The study found that female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State, demonstrate a moderate rate of practice of breast self-examination, as evidenced by their responses on regular monthly practice, knowledge of the correct steps, and willingness to practice more frequently in the future.

iii. The study found that adequate knowledge, fear of discovering breast abnormalities, health education and awareness campaigns, busy academic schedules, and lack of privacy influence the practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State.

iv. The study found a statistically significant relationship between knowledge and practice of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer among female undergraduate students in Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State. The corresponding hypothesis test showed a Chi-square value of 38.64, with 1 degree of freedom and a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis and acceptance of the alternative hypothesis.

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Discussion of Findings 
5.2 Implication of the Findings
5.3 Limitation of the Study
5.4 Summary 
5.5 Conclusion
5.6 Recommendations
5.7 Suggestions for Further Studies
Reference
Appendix

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