Awareness Of Breast Cancer Symptoms Among Women In The Southern African Development Community

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women worldwide. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths in females globally. In Africa, majority of women with breast cancer present late to the hospital. Delay in seeking medical care results in diagnosis of breast cancer in advanced stage and this usually has a poor prognostic outcome with or without treatment hence high mortality rates. Therefore, it is fundamental to assess the knowledge that women have when it comes to detecting abnormal breast changes. The aim of this review was to evaluate awareness of breast cancer early warning signs and symptoms among women in the SADC region of Africa. METHODS Three databases were systematically searched using predefined keywords that are related to the research topic. Relevant studies were retrieved and screened according to an inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, research studies were selected to be included in the systematic review. The findings of the selected studies were analyzed, compared and synthesized. RESULTS Eight articles, with a total of 2, 584 participants, published between 2010 and 2018 were selected. It was discovered that 70.2% of participants identified breast lump as a sign of breast cancer while non-lump signs and symptoms were least recognized. It also revealed that only a few participants (e.g. 14.2% in one study) were aware of the correct timing and practice of breast self-examination. There’s evidence of relatively good health-seeking behavior, but also several barriers to seeking medical help, including anxiety and financial constraints. CONCLUSION There is need for interventions and programs targeted at educating African women concerning early signs and symptoms of breast cancer, the importance of early presentation and outcome of medical treatment.