Influence of Breast Cancer Radio Campaigns on Utilisation of Screening Services By Women of Vulnerable Age in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women globally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates about 8.2 million cancer-related deaths annually, with over 14 million new cases each year. Studies have shown ignorance as a major cause of breast cancer. This study investigated influence of breast cancer radio campaigns on breast cancer on utilisation of screening services among women of vulnerable age in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Questionnaire served as instrument for data collection. Cluster Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used to select a sample size of 400 from the total population of women in the area. Generated data were analysed using simple percentages, frequency table and Chi-square test statistics. Findings show high level of awareness creation on the threat of breast cancer in the area. There was also high level of exposure to radio campaigns on breast cancer among women in the areayet, majority of them do not patronise breast cancer screening services. The study recommends more creative actions from radio contents producers in packaging their messages on breast cancer to engender more appeal and acceptance among women in the area. They could also consider the option of less news, and inject more interpretations into their health programmes, and more of such programmes should be in the people’s local dialects to enhance more understanding. Appropriate scheduling of the campaign messages is also very important for greater reach at lower cost.