KNOWLEDGE ABOUT BREAST CANCER AND PRACTICE OF EARLY DETECTION METHODS AMONG WOMEN EMPLOYED AT ETHIOPIAN REVENUES AND CUSTOMS AUTHORITY, HEAD OFFICE

Abstract

Abstract Introduction- One of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide is breast cancer which accounts 1.7 million (11.9%) of the total, and it is increasing particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in late stages. It is estimated that 45% of the 1.35 million new cases diagnosed each year, and more than 55% of breast cancer related deaths, occur in low- and middle income countries. The fact that breast cancer is one of the most physically accessible cancers to examination makes raising awareness about detection methods a top priority on the list of tools of prevention of deaths from breast cancer. Breast Self Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast examination (CBE) and Mammography are now considered the mainstays for early detection of breast cancer. Screening for early cancer detection has been credited for part of the recent reduction in breast cancer mortality in developed countries. Objective- Is to assess overall awareness of women in Ethiopia about breast cancer and detection methods. Methods and materials- The study will use an institution-based cross-sectional study design to assess the knowledge about breast cancer and practice of early detection methods of female employees of Ethiopian Revenues and customs authority currently working at its head office, Addis Ababa.