Awareness and Practice of Breast Self-Examination in Nigeria | Be informed
Prudence Chidinma Eze, 5th Year Medical Student, Datelinehealth Africa Volunteer and Freelance health writer. Medically reviewed by: Chiamaka Wisdom-Asotah, MB.BS.
November 29, 2025
A group of young African women posing together outdoors. Credit source: Freepik
A young lady once told me she had never performed a breast self-examination (BSE), not even once, and didn’t see any reason to do so. Her response left me amazed at how unaware or unconcerned some women can be about something as “basic,” yet life-saving as a simple breast self-check.
Curious to understand how common this attitude is among Nigerian women, I conducted a short online survey within my community and created LinkedIn polls to gather data. The results were both revealing and concerning, shedding light on the low awareness and irregular practice of breast self-examination among Nigerian women, a habit that could make a difference between early detection and a delayed diagnosis of breast cancer.
This article aims to:
a) Highlight the findings obtained from a basic online survey carried out among a small sample of Nigerian women on the local practice of Breast Self-Exam (BSE) in the community;
b) Analyse the level of knowledge and attitude that participating women have about BSE, and
c) Propose ways to improve the practice of BSE among Nigerians in order to promote the early detection of breast cancer especially in women.
Photo of a young African lady, performing a breast self-examination (BSE). Click on image to enlarge. Credit source: Freepik.
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a simple method that allows a woman to check her own breasts regularly at home to become familiar with their normal look and feel.
It involves both visual inspection and physical palpation (touch) of the breast tissue to detect any unusual changes such as lumps, thickening, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or other abnormalities. [1, 2, 3]
The primary goal of BSE is to increase breast cancer awareness, helping women notice new changes early and report them to a healthcare professional for further evaluation. [1, 3]
Health experts recommend performing a breast self-exam once a month: [2, 3]
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Info poster on Breast Self-Examination. Click on image to enlarge.
Breast self-examination should be performed both on standing and on lying down for thoroughness.
For the standing position, the examination involves standing in front of a mirror to observe changes in both breasts visually with hands by the side and then raised, then using the fingers in a circular motion to feel the breast and underarm area for an lumps or swelling.
Although breast cancer can occur in both men and women, about 99% of cases affect women. [4] Being familiar with one’s own breast tissue through regular BSE complements clinical breast exams and mammograms, promoting early detection and improved breast health awareness across communities.
A short survey was conducted using Google forms and LinkedIn polls to assess the awareness, attitude, and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among Nigerian women.
A total of 137 respondents participated in the survey; 103 via Google forms and 34 through LinkedIn polls.
Most respondents were women aged 15–35 years and above. See fig 1.
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Fig 1: Pie chart showing age range of BSE survey participants. Click on image to enlarge.
The majority were university students and employed professionals.
Participants were primarily from Nigeria, with a few representatives from other African countries through social media networks.
The survey was conducted within a space of one week. Responses were collected anonymously and voluntarily. And each response was analyzed to identify patterns in awareness and behavior towards BSE.
Out of a total of 137 respondents, the following insights emerged from both the Google forms survey and LinkedIn polls.
From the Google form data, about 19.4% of respondents reported not being aware of Breast Self-Examination (BSE). Additionally, 16.5% did not know that BSE helps in the early detection of breast cancer. See Table 1.
Table 1: Survey participants’ responses on knowledge of breast self-exam. Click on image to enlarge.
These findings indicate a significant gap in knowledge about the role of BSE in breast cancer prevention and awareness.
When asked about their practice of BSE, (See fig. 2):
Fig. 2: Pie chart showing participants’ responses on their practice of breast self-examination. Click on image to enlarge.
Furthermore, 29.1% of respondents admitted they did not know the best time to carry out BSE. (See Table 2)
Table 2: Detailing participants' responses on their practice of breast self-examination. Click on image to enlarge.
This points to a worrying inconsistency in practice and a lack of proper education on when and how to perform it.
A majority of respondents acknowledged that BSE is important, recognizing that it helps in the early detection of breast cancer and agreeing that every woman should practice it regularly, see fig 3.
However, this positive attitude does not always translate into consistent action, revealing a gap between awareness and practice.
Fig, 3: Participants’ response to question on frequency of performance of breast self-examination. Click on image to enlarge.
When asked about reasons for not performing BSE, the most common responses included:
These barriers reflect the emotional, educational, and psychological factors that discourage regular practice of breast self-examination among women. [5]
Dr Azuka Chinweokwu Ezeike (WHO Fides member), a consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, said that “Many African women avoid performing self-breast examinations due to fear of the unknown. A common belief in the region is that “what you don’t know won’t hurt you,” and this mindset often discourages early detection practices.”
Table 3: Analysis of LinkedIn poll on BSE
The LinkedIn polls further supported the other survey findings (see Table 3):
75% of respondents believed a woman should perform BSE once a month, while 25% said once every three months.
In terms of actual practice, 40% said they performed BSE within the last month, 40% said they had never done it, and 20% said they did it 3–6 months ago.
Overall, these results highlight a concerning level of awareness and inconsistent practice of BSE among Nigerian women, a reminder that knowledge doesn’t always lead to action without proper advocacy and education. [6]
From the survey findings, it’s clear that while many of the participating women, who in no way can be said to be representative of Nigerian women in general, are aware of Breast Self-Examination (BSE), only a few actually practice it regularly.
This gap between awareness and action highlights an urgent need for stronger health education and continuous advocacy on breast cancer prevention in Nigeria.
Similar research conducted in several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Sudan, showed a similar pattern; high awareness but poor practice of BSE. [6, 7]
This suggests that knowledge alone is not enough to drive consistent behavioural change among women.
The most common barriers identified from this survey were:
When participants were asked what could motivate them to perform BSE more often, their responses revealed valuable insights:
These results show that with the power of community-based awareness campaigns, social media, patient education by healthcare providers and regular health education, more African women can be empowered to take charge of their breast health through regular self-examinations.
By simplifying information, addressing fears, and having breast health conversations more open, the gap between knowing and turning awareness into life-saving action can be bridged.
A young African woman in a colourful dress holding a pink ribbon in support of breast cancer awareness. Click on image to enlarge. Credit source: Freepik
To reduce breast cancer mortality and increase mindfulness of breast health among African women, the following strategies can help bridge the gap between awareness and the practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE):
Government and health institutions should integrate breast health education into school curricula, community outreach programs, and workplace wellness programs. Early education fosters lifelong awareness and encourages preventive health behavior. [5, 8]
Doctors, nurses, and primary healthcare workers should be more proactive in teaching women how to perform BSE correctly during clinic visits. Therefore capacity building programs should be organized to equip health care providers on how to educate women on the importance of performing a breast self-exam. [5, 8]
NGOs, foundations, and public health influencers should utilize the power of social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc., to develop and share short, relatable, and evidence-based content on how and when to perform BSE.
Encourage open dialogue among women, men, and families about breast health, in order to dispel myths, and fears. When breast cancer is discussed freely, it reduces stigma and helps women seek help early. [5]
Involve spouses, brothers, and community leaders in promoting BSE. Family support often motivates women to prioritize their health.
Organize local awareness drives in churches, markets, and workplaces. Peer-led education often has more emotional impact, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Partner with mobile networks or health startups to send monthly BSE reminders and educational tips directly to women’s phones. [5]
Highlight stories of breast cancer survivors who discovered changes through self-examination. Storytelling humanises the message and inspires others to take BSE seriously.
Dr Ezeike also rightly pointed out that “Sustained change in health habits requires consistent messaging. Healthcare providers should use every opportunity, whether in clinics, on social media, or during community outreaches, to communicate health literacy messages in the languages of local people.”
Breast cancer shouldn’t be a death sentence for any woman. If more women perform regular breast self-examinations, talk about it, and are encouraged to seek healthcare provider checkups regularly, the occurrence of the condition will change due to early detection and treatment.
The basic survey conducted and reported here revealed that while many participating women know about Breast Self-Examination (BSE), few practice it regularly, and that gap could mean the difference between early detection and late diagnosis.
When conversations about breast health are normalised and support for those affected is improved, breast cancer will no longer be a silent killer, but a preventable and treatable condition.
Keep the conversation going, encourage a woman today to perform monthly breast self-examination, and report any concerns early to her healthcare provider for additional checks. Doing so will promote early detection of breast abnormalities, especially breast cancer and save lives.
1. Pippin MM, Boyd R. Breast Self-Examination. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from here.
2. NBCF Team. Breast Cancer. National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.: Dallas. [Internet]. Last updated 2025 Oct. 15. [Accessed 9 November 2025]. Available from here.
3. World Health Organization. Breast Cancer. [Internet]. 2025 August 13. [Accessed 9 November 2025]. Available from here.
4. Ajibola OO, Eunice AA, and Iyanuoluwa OO. Awareness of breast self-examination among females in selected secondary schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Research Archive. 2024;13(02), 4128-4139. Available from here.
5. Udoh RH, Tahiru M, Ansu-Mensah M. et al. Women’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. Arch Public Health 78, 84 (2020). doi: 10.1186/s13690-020-00452-9. Available from here.
6. Seifu W, Mekonen L. Breast self-examination practice among women in Africa: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. Arch Public Health 79, 149 (2021). doi: 10.1186/s13690-021-00671-8. Available from here.
7. Iheanacho O. Cajetan, Emetumah I. Fatima, Christian, Emmanuel Onyekachi, and Etumnu, Emeka W. Assessment of Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns on the Practice of Breast Self-examination: A Survey of Imo State University Undergraduates. Int. J. Path. Res. 2023 Jun. 20;12(3):42–52. Available from here.
8. Johnson OE. Awareness and Practice of Breast Self -Examination among Women in Different African Countries: A 10-Year Review of Literature. Nigerian Medical Journal, 2009;60(5), 219–225. doi: 10.4103/nmj.NMJ_84_19. Available from here.
Related:
Breast Health: What African Women Need to know
Breast cancer in Africa: What You Need to know
Breast density: What African women need to know
Breast cancer in Africa: A call to action
Published: November 29, 2025.
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