The Role of Pastors in the Prevention of Breast Cancer: Analysis of 176 Ante Natal Clinic Attendees at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Pastors and religious leaders have a role to play in the prevention of diseases, in this scenario prevention of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death globally in women between 44 – 50 years.

Aim: The role pastors and religious leaders play in the prevention of breast cancer exemplified by the analysis of 176 antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

Methods: It was a prospective study of ANC attendees at the RSUTH. The information was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: A total of 180 questionnaires were distributed and 176 questionnaires retrieved. The mean gestational age was 32.4 years. The modal parity was 1.As regards level of education, tertiary were 129 (73-3%), secondary 43 (24.4%) and primary 4 (2.3%). Those aware of breast cancer were 159 (90.3%). Means of information by the subjects for breast cancer prevention were media 96 (54.6%), hospital 39 (22.0%), religious house 3 (3.8%) and others 38 (19.6%) Antenatal mothers who carried out self breast examination for detection of breast lumps were 95 (54%). Subjects who were aware of mammogram were 42 (23.9%) while those who had mammogram in the past were 2 (1.1%). ANC attendees who had family history of breast cancer were 7 (4%). The relationship between breast cancer awareness and educational status tertiary 123 (69.9%), secondary 34 (19.3%), primary 2 (1.1%) and no information on educational status 17(9.7%).

Conclusion: Though the level of breast cancer awareness was high 90.3%, religious houses contributed to only 3%. In addition, preventive measures such as self breast examination (54%) and mammogram (1.1%) are still not encouraging.