SEMINAR PRESENTATION ON BIOCHEMISTRY OF BREAST CANCER

1.1 Introduction

Breast Cancer is a common female terminal disease across the world and in every culture with more than 4.7million new cases reported annually. 55% of this number occurs in Less Developing Countries (Adetifa & Ojikutu, 2009). The spread of breast cancer has continued to increase at the rate 50–100% globally (Hayam, Howida, & Zakeya, 2014) and 0.5% each year since 1985 in Nigeria (WHO, 2004). Nigeria records about 500,000 new cases yearly since 2010 with a dismal 10% survival rate (Lambo, 2007; Salant et al., 2006). The Lagos State Ministry of Health observes that 15% of these cases occur in women less than 30 years, while majority of the cases occur at age range of 43–50 years (Oluwatosin, 2012; Adebamowo & Ajayi, 2006).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

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1.2 Background of Study

Breast cancer was and continues to be among the most prevalent and growing malignant diseases among Iranian women in the past four months. Breast cancer is a disease that involves the patient, family, and community, and wastes many financial and spiritual resources. This cancer is developed in breast tissues including ducts (tiny tubes that carry the milk) and lobules (milk-producing glands). Breast cancer is not gender- specific, but rarely develops in men. Although the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, specific risk-factors have been identified. Different types of cancer have different risk factors. Some of these risk factors such as cigarette-smoking, alcohol use, and diet can be changed and depend on life style. However, other factors like age, race, gender, and family history are fixed and unchangeable. Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean infliction.

Despite the growing campaigns on breast cancer awareness in Nigeria generally and Southeast particularly (Okobia, Bunker, Okonofua, et al., 2006), the rates of its spread tend to grow while the practice of required remedial practices continue to vary widely among women. Most of the rural women are either unaware of the cancer, have poor knowledge of breast cancer, or exhibit poor preventive and curative practices (Akpo, 2010; Makanguola, Amoo, Ajibade, et al., 2003). Consequently, civil society organizations, and relevant agencies in the Southeast Nigeria embarked on multiple media programmes using different radio channels, televisions, newspapers, and social media to create awareness of the cancer, its preventive and curative behaviours or measures. This paper investigates the phenomenon in Southeast with a view to the level and nature of awareness therein, and the associated influence on the health behaviour of women.

Although many of these risk factors increase the chance of breast cancer development and progress, its exact mechanism is not clear. It seems that hormone plays a very important role in some types of breast cancer; however, its development and progress mechanisms are not very clear. In general, it can be said that such factors as aging, history of breast cancer development in family, certain changes in breasts, genetic changes, history of productivity and menopause, lack of physical activity, alcohol-use, diet and nutrition, race, and radiation therapy to chest are risk factors of breast cancer.

This disease affects different physical, mental, and social aspects of women life. On the other hand, such factors as social and family supports during the illness can reduce its negative impacts.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Biochemistry of Breast Cancer.

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1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that despite health education efforts to enlighten women on breast health awareness including the awareness of different screening methods available, the increasing incidence of breast cancer and late presentation at an advanced stage are still challenges to health care professionals. To date, little research has been done regarding the impact of awareness programs in breast cancer control in Nigeria and even less at the community level in rural areas. Hence there is need to assess the Biochemistry of Breast Cancer amongst Nigerian women.

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1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Biochemistry of Breast Cancer. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To examine the factors predicting the utilization of breast cancer screening services among women.
2. To examine the partner’s acceptance of breast cancer screening utilization among Women of reproductive age.
3. To determine if the Women of reproductive age are scared of breast cancer screening services; and
4. To ascertain the knowledge of breast cancer screening and breast cancer symptoms is not a predictor of utilization of breast cancer screening services among Women.

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1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What is breast cancer?
• How can breast cancer be prevented?
• What are the factors predicting the utilization of breast cancer screening services among women?
• Does partner accept breast cancer screening utilization among Women of reproductive age?
• What are the knowledge of breast cancer screening and breast cancer symptoms is not a predictor of utilization of breast cancer screening services among Women?
• What is the behavior of Women of reproductive age towards breast cancer screening services?

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1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: Knowledge of breast cancer screening and breast cancer symptoms is not a predictor of utilization of breast cancer screening services.
• H1: Knowledge of breast cancer screening and breast cancer symptoms is a predictor of utilization of breast cancer screening services.

Hypothesis Two

• H0: Partner’s acceptance of breast cancer screening services is not a predictor of utilization of breast cancer screening services.
• H1: Partner’s acceptance of breast cancer screening services is a predictor of utilization of breast cancer screening services.

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1.7 Significance of Study

The study will enable relevant agencies concerned with eradicating breast cancer in Southeast Nigeria and Nigeria in general to appraise the cancer media campaign, its contents, and framework for possible modification.

The finding is expected to provide information to health care providers that will shape their education and awareness programmes on breast cancer.

It shall identify the problems limiting the success of the media campaign. The information obtained from this study may be of help to other researchers interested in working in this field as it will serve as a reference material for further research.

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1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of this research is focused on the Biochemistry of Breast Cancer among Women of reproductive age in Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State.

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1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).