Chemotherapy for breast cancer: Opinions of patients and relatives at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among females globally, and chemotherapy play useful role. This study evaluated the awareness, attitude and challenges associated with the use of chemotherapy for breast cancer patients at the surgical out-patient clinics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among patients at surgical outpatient clinics using a questionnaire and the results were analysed using SPSS version 20.Results: A total of 445 respondents were recruited, out of which 81 (18.2%) were males and 364 (81.8%) females. The mean age was 39.36 ± 8.96 years. Three hundred and fifty (78.7%) respondents had heard about chemotherapy, and only 243 (54.6%) would allow their relatives to take chemotherapy. Two hundred and seventeen (48.8%) respondents affirmed that there were challenges with chemotherapy, and the most disturbing challenges were side effects (n = 217, 48.8%) and finance/cost (n = 17, 3.8%), while 211 (47.4%) did not respond. The advice for the government were the need to “make cancer treatment free” (n = 208, 46.7%), improve awareness about cancer for early detection (n = 136, 30.6%), among others. There was statistically significant relationship between awareness of breast cancer and age (X2=16.179, p=0.013), and the level of education (X2=71.365, p=0.000) of the respondents. Conclusion: Awareness on chemotherapy for breast cancer among respondents was above average. However, only about half of the respondents would consent for chemotherapy due to side effects and high cost. The assistance of government is needed to reduce burden of cost and improve awareness.