Assessing Awareness and Knowledge of Breast and Cervical Cancer Among Female Students A Case Study of Akwamuman Senior High School, Asuogyaman District, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are significant public health concerns, particularly for women in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. Despite ongoing awareness efforts, knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist among adolescent girls, who are a critical population for early intervention. This study was conducted to assess awareness and knowledge of these cancers among female students at Akwamuman Senior High School in the Asuogyaman District of Ghana. General Objective: This study aims to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of breast and cervical cancer among female students at Akwamuman Senior High School in the Asuogyaman District, Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study design was employed using a stratified random sampling method. A total of 394 female students were selected proportionally from different academic levels and programs. Data was collected through a structured, pre-tested questionnaire administered via Kobo Collect. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted using STATA version 18 to evaluate associations between awareness, knowledge, and socio-demographic variables. Results: Awareness of breast cancer was high (97.2%), but only 31.7% of participants had "Good Knowledge" of the disease. Misconceptions were widespread, with 60.9% of students incorrectly believing that wearing tight bras can cause breast cancer. Practical knowledge was more encouraging, with 69.3% reporting they knew how to perform breast self-examinations. Awareness of cervical cancer was moderate (75.4%), yet specific knowledge on key preventive measures such as HPV vaccination (32.5%) and Pap smear screening (42.4%) was low. Healthcare providers were the most cited source of information, followed by schools and media platforms. Older students and those in higher academic levels tended to have better awareness and knowledge, though these demographic factors were not statistically significant predictors in multivariate analyses. However, a strong and statistically significant positive association was observed between awareness and knowledge for both breast and cervical cancer. Conclusion: Overall, female students at Akwamuman Senior High School have a modest awareness of cervical cancer and an almost universal awareness of breast cancer; nevertheless, there are notable disparities in their in-depth knowledge and the prevalence of misconceptions regarding both illnesses. The close connection between awareness and knowledge emphasizes how important basic knowledge is. But a change from broad awareness to precise, all-encompassing understanding is taking place. These findings demonstrate the pressing need for specific, research-based educational interventions in classrooms. In order to promote early detection and enhance long-term results, these programs must specifically address common misconceptions, demystify common risk factors and preventative measures—most notably, HPV vaccination and Pap smear screening for cervical cancer—and provide students with useful self-examination skills.