BREAST SELF EXAMINATION

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the female undergraduate students of the university of Benin are aware of the breast self Examination, if they practice it, how often and how effectively they practice breast self examination. The research work began with a general background of the study, purpose, statement of the problem as well as the significant of the study. Relevant literature by various scholars reviewed on the knowledge of the BSE, benefit, effect, methods of carrying out BSE and predisposing factors of breast cancer. It went further in discussing factor that influence the practice of self breast examination .It went further to discuss the description of the procedures used in gathering data that are related to the research questions. In this third chapter of the research work, the proportionate sampling techniques was used, the use of questionnaires as one of the instrument used in the collections of data was applied by the researcher and the data were later analyzed from the respondents response. Lastly, conclusion and recommendation were made by the
researcher where it was deemed fit to recommend and suggestion were also made as regard to breast self examination among female students

This study titled "Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices of Breast Self-Examination among Female Students in the University of Benin Halls of Residence" aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and regular practice of BSE among young women in a Nigerian university setting, with the primary goal of identifying gaps that hinder early breast cancer detection and informing targeted health education interventions. The research is grounded in behavioral theories such as the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior to explore the cognitive, emotional, and socio-cultural factors influencing BSE practices among this population. It employs a cross-sectional survey design utilizing structured questionnaires administered to female students residing in the university halls of residence, with data analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods to determine awareness levels, attitudes, and practice patterns. The findings reveal that while a significant proportion of the students have heard of BSE, actual practice remains low, with only a minority performing it regularly and correctly. Common barriers identified include lack of adequate knowledge, cultural taboos related to modesty, fear of discovering abnormalities, and insufficient privacy, all of which contribute to poor engagement in BSE. Based on these results, the study recommends implementing culturally sensitive health education programs within university settings to improve awareness and correct misconceptions about BSE, emphasizing the importance of regular practice for early detection of breast abnormalities. It also suggests the need for policy-level interventions to create private and supportive environments that facilitate proper BSE practices among young women to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with breast cancer.