Knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors and symptoms among males and females in Botswana
- 1Discipline of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- 2Department of Population Studies, Faculty of Social Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is a major cause of death among African females, often diagnosed late due to limited knowledge about the disease. In Botswana, where late-stage presentation is common, there is limited information on the knowledge levels of breast cancer, its risk factors and symptoms among both male and female. Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge levels of breast cancer, its risk factors and symptoms among both male and female in Botswana. Method: A cross-sectional survey collected demographic and breast cancer knowledge data from adult male and female patients in public hospital outpatient departments of Botswana using a structured questionnaire. Results: Most (69.3%) of the 228 participants were female. Most (90.5% female, 82.9% male) viewed breast cancer as a serious illness, 95.6% hereditary (96.2% female, 94.3% male) and 88.6% (90% male, 87.9% female) recognised the importance of early detection. Less than 15% of all respondents correctly identified breast cancer risk factors. Odds of knowledge about breast cancer (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.31, Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.01–2.78), symptoms (AOR = 4.29, CI = 1.28–6.72) and risk factors (AOR = 1.17, CI = 1.02–2.34) were significantly higher among female participants than male participants. Conclusion: There is a need for health educational programmes tailored to specific demographics, including both male and female, that address key risk factors and symptoms for enhanced breast cancer awareness and early detection. Contribution: Our study adds to the literature on the importance of shifting from general awareness campaigns to targeted educational initiatives that equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health and seek timely medical care when needed.
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BibTeX
@article{chibatamoto2026knowledge,
title = {{Knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors and symptoms among males and females in Botswana}},
author = {Punishment P. Chibatamoto and Mpho Keetile and Moses J. Chimbari},
journal = {Curationis},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.4102/curationis.v49i1.2811},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v49i1.2811},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors and symptoms among males and females in Botswana
AU - Punishment P. Chibatamoto
AU - Mpho Keetile
AU - Moses J. Chimbari
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Curationis
DO - 10.4102/curationis.v49i1.2811
UR - https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v49i1.2811
AB - Background: Breast cancer is a major cause of death among African females, often diagnosed late due to limited knowledge about the disease. In Botswana, where late-stage presentation is common, there is limited information on the knowledge levels of breast cancer, its risk factors and symptoms among both male and female. Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge levels of breast cancer, its risk factors and symptoms among both male and female in Botswana. Method: A cross-sectional survey collected demographic and breast cancer knowledge data from adult male and female patients in public hospital outpatient departments of Botswana using a structured questionnaire. Results: Most (69.3%) of the 228 participants were female. Most (90.5% female, 82.9% male) viewed breast cancer as a serious illness, 95.6% hereditary (96.2% female, 94.3% male) and 88.6% (90% male, 87.9% female) recognised the importance of early detection. Less than 15% of all respondents correctly identified breast cancer risk factors. Odds of knowledge about breast cancer (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.31, Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.01–2.78), symptoms (AOR = 4.29, CI = 1.28–6.72) and risk factors (AOR = 1.17, CI = 1.02–2.34) were significantly higher among female participants than male participants. Conclusion: There is a need for health educational programmes tailored to specific demographics, including both male and female, that address key risk factors and symptoms for enhanced breast cancer awareness and early detection. Contribution: Our study adds to the literature on the importance of shifting from general awareness campaigns to targeted educational initiatives that equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health and seek timely medical care when needed.
SN - 0379-8577
SN - 2223-6279
ER -