Awareness and Perception of Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy in a cohort of Nigerian women

Background: Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is an area where there is a significant lack of awareness and understanding. Breast cancer has a significant public health impact worldwide, and sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected, with emotional, psychological, and physical effects on individuals. Objective: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness and perception of breast reconstruction among women diagnosed with breast cancer who are undergoing or have undergone mastectomy. Method: This was a center based cross sectional survey that utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to women with breast cancer in the outpatient clinic. Results: There were valid responses from 62 respondents. The study found the awareness rate to be 50% and 62.9% with a positive perception. The mean age of respondents was 49.01±12.6 [20-74]. Sociodemographic factors showed that none of the participantsdemographic variables such as age (P = 0.097), marital status (P = 0.066), occupational status (P = 0.949), and religion (P = 0.562) had a significant association with awareness of breast reconstruction. But level of education had a significant association with breast reconstruction awareness (P = 0.038). Conclusion: The study clearly shows the atrociously poor rate of awareness and perception of BR owing to numerous factors, such as late presentation in our region, misinformation, taboos, and unavailability of ready health insurance for this cohort of women. Hence, advocacy, support groups, and health insurance schemes for reconstructive surgeries are recommended