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Table 3 Knowledge of and perceptions about breast cancer in 120 women in Buea, Cameroon

From: Breast Self-Examination and breast cancer awareness in women in developing countries: a survey of women in Buea, Cameroon

Knowledge/Perception

Frequency

%

Knowledge of breast cancer’s existence

120

100.00

Perceived causes of Breast Cancer

  

Exposure to a wide range of cancer causing agents

64

53.33

A family history of breast cancer

29

24.17

Exposure to x-rays before 30 years of age

22

18.33

Overweight after menopause

12

10.00

Prolonged and early use of oral contraceptives

16

13.33

Oestrogen replacement therapy

14

11.67

Witchcraft

12

10.00

Perceived Risk factors for Breast Cancer

  

Excessive alcohol consumption

24

20.00

Excessive cigarette smoking

40

33.33

Inactivity and sedentary lifestyle

23

19.17

Prolonged use of dark hair dyes

15

12.50

High animal fat diet

18

15.00

Consumption of milk products from cows injected with genetically engineered hormones

26

21.67

Perception that Breast cancer can be prevented

114

95.00

Perceived methods of preventing Breast cancer

  

Dieting

30

25.00

Exercise

24

20.00

Vaccination

16

13.33

Breast examination

44

36.67

Perception that Breast cancer can be treated

84

70.00

Perceived methods of treating breast cancer

  

Medically

43

35.83

Traditionally

11

9.17

Spiritually

30

25.00