Search

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the commonest female cancers in Ghana. However, it is preventable. Prevention through Human Papilloma Virus immunization and early detection by screening have their foundation in awareness and a good knowledge about the disease. Acquiring the right knowledge about cervical cancer should be earlier rather than later while mindsets are still being formed to translate into the right attitudes and behaviours later in life., Methodology: An unpaired pre- and post-test quasi experimental study was conducted at two Ghanaian senior high schools. An educational intervention was carried out comprising a drama, PowerPoint lecture, question and answer session and cervical cancer information leaflet distribution. A self-administered questionnaire was given as a pre-test and repeated as a post-test after 3 months. The total score for each domain of knowledge tested was categorized into adequate knowledge (≥ 50%) and inadequate knowledge (< 50%)., Results: The number of participants in the pre- and post-test were 1,107 and 1,276 girls respectively, with average age of 16 years. General knowledge on cervical cancer improved to 94.4% from 73% following the intervention, but only 46.2% said cervical cancer was curable following the education. Knowledge on symptoms improved from 78 to 87.1% and risk factor knowledge improved from 81.8 to 89.3%. After the intervention, 37% from an initial 42% still thought that having sex at a young age (adolescence) was not a risk factor. Screening and prevention knowledge improved from 82.9 to 91% but only 37.2% knew the recommended age to begin screening with pap smears, even after the education. Overall knowledge on cervical cancer after the education significantly improved from 79.1 to 92.3%., Conclusion: Knowledge of cervical cancer among young girls in two High Schools, improved with the educational intervention. Areas of education to be emphasized are: cervical cancer is curable if diagnosed early, increased risk with early onset of sexual activity, and recommended age to start screening. Educating young girls on cervical cancer increases their awareness and gives them adequate knowledge which should influence their attitudes and behaviour towards cervical cancer in the future. It should be considered for adoption into high school curricula., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Globally breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer with an estimated 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths in 2020. Late presentation is the hallmark of breast cancer in Ghana for which ignorance and fear are the major reasons fuelled largely by myths and misconceptions. Breast cancer awareness and education needs to start early to bring about a change in knowledge, attitude and practices. However, Breast cancer awareness activities in Ghana have usually targeted adult women. This study assessed the impact of breast cancer education among adolescent high school girls in Ghana., Methodology: A pre- post-test quasi experimental study was conducted at two senior high schools. A self-administered pre-educational questionnaire was followed by an educational intervention consisting of a drama, PowerPoint lecture, question and answer session and distribution of breast cancer information leaflets. After 3 months the same questionnaire was administered as a post-education test to assess the impact of the educational intervention. The total score for each domain was categorised into adequate knowledge > 50% and inadequate knowledge < 50%., Results: The number of participants in the pre-test and post-test were 1043 and 1274; the median ages [IQR] were 16.0 [15.0-17.0] for both the pre and post-test students. General knowledge on breast cancer at pre-education (29.1%) improved to 72.5% (p < 0.001). Knowledge on signs and symptoms improved from 33.1 to 55% (p < 0.001); knowledge on risk factors improved from 55.3 to 79.2% (p < 0.001), and knowledge on breast self-examination and screening improved from 9.8 to 22.2% (p < 0.001). The overall performance of the students improved from 17.2 to 59.4% (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: There is inadequate knowledge about breast cancer and self-examination among senior high school girls in Ghana. Our breast cancer educational intervention was effective in improving general knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms and breast self-examination. The overall knowledge base improved from 17.2 to 59.4% 3 months post intervention, accompanied by an increase in the reported practice of breast self-examination and a greater belief that breast cancer is curable. This study has demonstrated the need for a school breast cancer educational program and that breast cancer education in high schools is effective., (© 2022. The Author(s).)