Knowledge and awareness of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and early detection methods among Nigerian university students

Breast cancer continues to be a major global health crisis, particularly impacting low- and middle-income nations like Nigeria. This research investigated breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and preventative practices among students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. A survey of 548 undergraduates and postgraduates revealed widespread awareness of the disease (99.3%), primarily attributed to social media (56.9%). Despite this high awareness, significant knowledge deficits persisted regarding risk factors, symptoms, and early detection techniques. Although most participants (90.5%) knew about breast self-examination (BSE), only two-thirds (67.2%) had performed it, and clinical breast examination (CBE) rates were alarmingly low (17.5%). Financial limitations (56.2%) and restricted access to healthcare facilities (44.5%) were identified as key obstacles to screening. These findings underscore the urgent need for focused educational programs, improved access to screening services, and robust public health campaigns to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, ultimately promoting earlier detection and improved outcomes.