KNOWLEDGE OF THE PREVALENCE, RISK FACTOR, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF BREAST CANCER AMONG WOMEN IN IFE EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ILE IFE, OSUN STATE. NIGERIA

Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with late presentation contributing significantly to poor outcomes in Nigeria. Sociocultural beliefs and limited clinical health knowledge continue to influence women’s perceptions and health-seeking behaviour. This study assessed women’s knowledge, attitudes, and clinical health-seeking behaviour of breast cancer risk factors, signs, preventive practices, and treatment-seeking behaviour in Ife East Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 respondents aged 20 years and above with the use of a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of risk factors and symptoms, preventive practices, attitudes, and treatment preferences. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 21–25 years (32.0%), with 68.0% having attained at least a secondary education. While 71.0% acknowledged that breast cancer is curable if detected early, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions were identified. Approximately 60% correctly identified clinical risk factors like alcohol consumption and radiation, but 65.0% failed to recognise the protective benefits of prolonged breastfeeding. Knowledge of symptoms was high, with 75.5% identifying bloody nipple discharge and 62.0% recognizing painless lumps. However, socio-cultural myths were prevalent: 53.0% viewed breast cancer as a curse, 50.0% attributed it to witchcraft, and 47.5% believed it was contagious. Consequently, health-seeking behaviour was pluralistic; while 62.0% would consult a doctor, a higher percentage (77.5%) opted for herbalists, and 72.0% preferred consulting a pharmacist. Conclusion: Despite moderate clinical awareness of breast cancer symptoms and curability, deeply rooted cultural beliefs significantly influence attitudes and treatment choices among women in Ife East. These deep-seated spiritual beliefs and fatalism (62.5% believing death is inevitable) still drive many residents toward traditional and alternative medicine. Public health interventions in Ife East must go beyond providing medical facts to actively addressing spiritual misconceptions and integrating traditional gatekeepers into early referral networks.