Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer afflicting women globally and in Nigeria. Breast cancer
screening can reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the survival rate of breast cancer. It is expected that
healthcare providers who maintain and develop the society's health, should have a higher level of knowledge,
attitudes, and practice in the field of healthy behaviours. This study therefore assessed the knowledge of female
healthcare providers/professionals on breast cancer, breast cancer screening services and also their awareness
of the availability of these screening services in the tertiary institution where they work. The study employed a
cross-sectional design. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was administered to healthcare
providers of different professional backgrounds to determine their knowledge on breast cancer, screening
services and also their awareness of the availability of breast cancer screening services in the hospital where
they work. The findings of this study showed that majority of the healthcare providers (75.9%) had a good
knowledge of breast cancer screening services, however, only few utilize the available screening services.
Although more than half of the participants practice self -breast examination, only 51.7% practice it each
month. Only 26.4% of the respondent has undergone clinical breast examination. Furthermore, majority
(78.2%) of the respondents were aware of mammography as a screening test, however, only 9.2% of the
respondents had ever undergone a mammography before. For health workers to function as effective promoters
of breast cancer control through early detection, it is expedient for them to have adequate knowledge as well as
appropriate attitude and belief concerning the disease and its early detection. It is therefore recommended that
educational intervention be made to increase the knowledge and awareness of healthcare professionals on
breast cancer.