Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Breast Cancer Patients about Mastectomy: A Contemporary Survey

Breast cancer is the most dreaded malignancy affecting women worldwide. The menace is even worse in developing countries due to poor access to early detection and appropriate treatment. Late presentation to healthcare facilities accounts for over 70% of the patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in Nigeria. The lack of awareness, ignoble attitude, and negative perceptions are all responsible for patients not coming to the hospital at the onset of the disease, thus making mastectomy an essential modality of treatment.

The survey interrogated the level of awareness, attitude, and perception about mastectomy among patients diagnosed with breast cancer at the Breast and Endocrine Surgery Clinics of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

One hundred and seventy seven (88.9%) of the participants were aware of breast cancer, and the source of their information was predominantly from health personnel. Twenty two (11.1%) of the participants are unaware of breast cancer, representing a population in dare need of health education. 145 (72.9%) of the participants had a positive perception toward mastectomy. Fifty four (27.1%) of them had a negative perception towards mastectomy for the following reasons: loss of femininity 16 (8.0%), loss of body image 15 (7.5%), stigmatization 10 (5.0%), sexuality 7 (3.5%), and loss of beauty 4 (2.0%). Health insurance coverage of the cost of mastectomy and availability of breast prosthesis and reconstruction will enable 149 (74.9%), and 120 (60.3%), respectively, of the patients to embrace mastectomy. 103 (51.8%) of the participants agreed that proper preoperative counseling may enhance their acceptance of mastectomy.

Efforts must be geared towards educating the public and, in particular, patients with breast cancer that early mastectomy for advanced or metastatic disease has survival benefits. Incorporating spouses, family members, and caregivers in breast cancer education will improve the perception of mastectomy.