Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a global disease with varying capacity for needed care. Since differences exist in resources / infrastructural availability and cultural factors, awareness and responses to this leading cancer among women vary from country to country. This study aims at reviewing available literature on public awareness on breast cancer in Nigeria, with emphasis on breast cancer epidemiology, breast cancer awareness (BCA), agencies and organizations involved in breast cancer public enlightenment, methods of breast cancer information dissemination, and barriers to breast cancer awareness in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Literature search was conducted on breast cancer awareness in Nigeria. Data obtained was critical analyzed for discussion in the review. Results: The figures for breast cancer awareness were variable in the geopolitical zones depending on the population being evaluated, with wide differences between city and community dwellers. The attitude and practice (on breast self-examination, clinical examination and mammography) demonstrated was generally poor. While there were many agencies and organizations interested in breast cancer awareness in Nigeria, a central coordination of activities that should culminate in the needed impact / attitudinal change at the community level was lacking. Identified barriers to breast cancer awareness included financial, political, religious / traditional / cultural, etc. Conclusion: There is need for a central coordination of BCA efforts to achieve needed impact at community level. A policy for subsidized care of breast cancer in Nigeria could be part of the needed incentive for public participation, as a diagnosis of breast cancer without funded treatment is a sore deterrent among participants of screening programs.