1.1 Background to the Study

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and first cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide with a world number of new cases estimated at 1,384,155 in 2008 (Ferlay, Shin and Bray, 2013). Its worldwide prevalence is still on the rise and nowadays breast cancer is considered to be an increasing public health problem among populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Sasco, 2008, Forouzanfar, Foreman and Delossantos, 2011). Moreover, a recent population-based study of cancer survival in Africa, Asia and Central America found unacceptably low breast cancer survival rates in African countries especially in Gambia where the 5-year age-standardized relative survival did not exceed 12% (Sankaranarayanan and Brenner, 2010).

Globally, breast cancer has been identified as a leading cause of death globally (Ferlay, Shin and Bray, 2013). There are more than a million new cases of breast cancer resulting in about 875,000 deaths each year, with high mortality rates in developing countries (Forouzanfar, Foreman and Delossantos, 2011). In Nigeria, breast cancer has been reported to account for 56.6% of all cancer diagnosis between 1995 & 2002 (Sankaranarayanan and Brenner, 2010). The burden of the disease has been on the increase and affected women often present late in hospitals when it has reached advance stage (Anderson, Cazap and El Saghir, 2011). Its cure at this stage becomes seriously compromised; the poor survival rate has been linked to late detection and diagnosis(6). Cancer is a disease process that begins when an abnormal cells is transformed by the genetic mutation of the cellular Deoxyribonuleic acids (DNA)(7). Breast cancer is neither painful nor cause any discomfort in its early stage. It usually present as a painless breast lump. There are diverse risk factors that may affect each woman's susceptibility to the disease (Forouzanfar, Foreman and Delossantos, 2011).

Besides poverty, low public awareness of breast cancer is a barrier to breast cancer control in LMICs where women seek medical help late and cancers are often diagnosed at advanced stages when very little can be done in terms of curative treatment. The Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) panel has recommended implementation strategies to optimize breast cancer management in LMICs concerning health-care systems, breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and early detection (El Saghir, Adebamowo and Anderson, 2011). For early detection, efforts must be devoted to improve community awareness. Civil society, represented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), can play an important role in breast cancer control (Azenha, Bass and Caleffi, 2011).

In Ghana, 2,062 new breast cancer cases and 1,137 breast cancer deaths were estimated annually (16.5% of all women cancer deaths), with age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of 25.8 and 15.2 per 100,000 women, respectively (Globocan 2008). Sixty percent of cases were detected at late stages (IIB, III and IV) (Clegg-Lamptey,  Dakubo and Attobra, 2009). The available data on median age are limited and mainly hospital based. Clegg-Lamptey et al. reported a median age at diagnosis of 43 years on a sample of 66 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. The age range was broad, from 20 to 84 years (Clegg-Lamptey,  Dakubo and Attobra, 2009). Surgery still represents the main form of treatment for breast cancer in the country and as in other African countries some cultural beliefs and mysticisms surround the disease (Clegg-Lamptey and Hodasi, 2007, Okobia, Bunker and Okonofua, 2006).

1.2 Problem Statement

To date, little research has been done regarding the causes, management and perception of breast cancer among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University and even less at the community level in rural areas. Cancer is one of the deadly diseases that has threatened the world. According to World Health Organization WHO (2005), about 12.5% of all deaths globally are caused by cancer, with the percentage more than the percentage of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria put together. Therefore, the increase in the attacks and deaths of rural women with breast cancer in Nigeria poses a pertinent question on the effect of  breast cancer campaigns on Nigeria women as regards the their poor responses to early presentation of breast cancer. Hence there is need to examine the causes, management and perception of breast cancer among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The main objective of this study is to examine the causes, management and perception of breast cancer among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University. The specific objectives include the following:

(1) To determine the preventive measures of breast cancer among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University.

(2) To examine the level of breast cancer awareness programmes among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University.

(3) To determine whether breast cancer awareness programmes have on the prevalence of breast cancer among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University.

1.4 Research questions

(1) Is there any preventive measures of breast cancer among among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University?

(2) What is the level of breast cancer awareness programmes among among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University?

(3) Does breast cancer awareness programmes have on the prevalence of breast cancer among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study will enable the female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University to have a basic knowledge on breast cancer and how to prevent it. It will also enable the students, the researcher and the health care institutions to know the major causes breast cancer among female students.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The research focus on the causes, management and perception of breast cancer among female students of faculty of social sciences, Delta State University.

1.7 Limitation of the Study

There is no study undertaken by a researcher that is perfect. The imperfection of any research is always due to some factors negatively affecting a researcher in the course of carrying out research.  Therefore, time constraint has shown no mercy to the research. The limited time has to be shared among many alternative uses, which includes reading, attending lectures and writing of this research, also distance and its attendant costs of travelling to obtain information which may enhance the writing of this study was a major limitation.