Assessing the level of breast cancer awareness among junior high school pupils at Charile Roman Catholic School

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating targeted efforts to enhance awareness and early detection. Despite extensive research in adult popula tions, limited attention has been directed toward assessing the awareness levels of breast cancer among younger demographics, prompting this study to focus on Junior High School Students at Charile Roman Catholic School. This study aimed to assess the ex tent of breast cancer awareness among Junior High School Students at Charile Roman Catholic School. Employing a descriptive survey design, the research selected a sample of 76 students through a combination of purposive and simple random sampling tech niques. Data collection was facilitated through a structured questionnaire, and subse quent analysis utilized descriptive statistics, presenting results in frequencies and per centages. The findings illuminated a low level of breast cancer awareness among the students, accompanied by a significant lack of knowledge regarding the signs and symptoms of the disease among many students. Notably, the study highlighted a positive inclination among students to promptly report any detected abnormalities in their breasts to either peers or healthcare facilities, intending to mitigate delayed diagnoses. Recommendations emerging from the study underscored the necessity of incorporating breast cancer studies into the junior high school curriculum to enhance students' awareness levels.