FACTORS AFFECTING THE UPTAKE OF BREAST CANCER SCREENING PROGRAMMES AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, (F C T) ABUJA- NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study was designed to examine the possible barriers to effective breast cancer screening uptake among rural women. The study explored barriers related to the uptake of breast cancer screening among rural women five communities namely Dupka, Dobi, Ibwa, Paiko and Kaida in Gwagwalada Area council of the FCT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors that hinder the uptake of breast cancer screening among women in rural communities. A quantitative research design was used. Quantitative information as well as focused group discussion were engaged to ensure maximal information were extracted from the respondents. A total of 804 participants were engaged in this study. Data obtained from the focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were analyzed. Finding from the study indicated eight categorical barrier that affect the uptake of breast cancer screen among rural women. They include; hospital-related (74.1%), economic (99.0%), geographical (97.5%), educational (78.6%) , sociocultural practices (63.6%), spousal decision (66.0%), gender of the health provider conducting the screening (86.8%), and religious barriers (88.1). The study concluded to ensure effective uptake of breast cancer screening programmes, there is the need to address the identified barriers, the involve spouses, religious and cultural leaders in the planning and implementation of breast cancer screening programmes. The study further suggested that breast cancer screening services should be integrated into the services of primary healthcare centres to make it more effective. INTRODUCTION Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body due to the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs (WHO 2023). It is a disease process that begins when an abnormal cells is transformed by the genetic mutation of the cellular Deoxyribonuleic acids (DNA) (Azenha et al , 2011). They can also be referred to as neoplasm and malignant tumour. It is thus a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue. This could result in tumors, damage to the immune system, and other impairment that can be fatal. Cancer can affect various parts of the body, such as the breasts, lungs, prostate, and skin. Though cancer is a broad term, it describes the disease that results when cellular changes cause the uncontrolled growth and division of cells. Further reports from WHO (2023), revealed that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or 1 in 6 deaths, since 2018. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women. They opined that the cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. They averred that many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are least prepared to manage this burden, and large numbers of cancer patients globally do not have access to......