Knowledge Attitude and Practice about Breast Cancer among Civil Servants in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Breast cancer is often associated with severe morbidity and mortality especially when the patients present late. A major reason why patients present late is the lack of awareness about breast cancer, its complications and the management. Methods: The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire. A total of 400 female civil servants were enlisted in the study, but only 385 respondents completed and returned the forms. Results: Two hundred and seventy seven (72.0%) respondents had tertiary level of education. Sixty six (17.1%) respondents were in the 30-34-year age group. Three hundred and twelve (81.0%) respondents knew correctly that breast lump is usually the first symptom of presentation of breast cancer. One hundred and forty four (37.5%) respondents knew that a positive family history of breast cancer is a risk factor, while two hundred and seventy four (71.2%) respondents answered that cancer of one breast in a woman increases her chances of having cancer of the other breast. Three hundred and twenty one (83.4%) respondents knew that breast cancer could spread from one breast to the other and two hundred and thirty (59.7%) knew that breast cancer could spread to other parts of the body. One hundred and eighty three (47.5%) respondents would visit the hospital as the first reaction if they were to detect a breast lump, while twenty three (6.0%) respondents would ignore the lump. While three hundred and twenty seven (85.0%) respondents have heard of breast self- examination, only one hundred (26.0%) could correctly describe the procedure of breast self -examination. While one hundred and thirty five (35.0%) respondents have heard of mammography, only twenty seven (7%) respondents go for yearly mammography screening. Three hundred and seventy two (96.6%) respondents know that mastectomy is done as part of the management of breast cancer, but only forty nine (12.7%) respondents have heard about conservative surgery. Conclusion: The level of awareness about breast cancer among civil servants in Benin City is low. There is the need to organize series of health education programs to enlighten the women about breast cancer. This can be done by government agencies or the non-governmental organizations. If properly executed, it may influence the attitude of women in Benin City about breast diseases and encourage early presentation to the hospital.Contexte: Le cancer du sein est souvent associ\ue9 \ue0 une morbidit\ue9 et une mortalit\ue9 s\ue9v\ue8re particuli\ue8rement lorsque les patientes consultent tard. La raison principale de cette consultation tardive est le manque de sensibilisation sur le cancer du sein, ses complications et son traitement. M\ue9thode: L'\ue9tude a \ue9t\ue9 men\ue9e \ue0 l'aide d'un questionnaire structur\ue9. Au total de 400 femmes fonctionnaires ont \ue9t\ue9 enr\uf4l\ue9es dans l'\ue9tude, mais seulement 385 compl\ue9t\ue8rent et retourn\ue8rent le questionnaire. R\ue9sultats: Deux cent soixante dix sept (72,0%) des participantes avaient un niveau d'\ue9ducation tertiaire. Soixante six (17,1%) \ue9taient de la tranche d'\ue2ge de 30 \ue0 34 ans. Trois cent douze (81,0%) savaient parfaitement que le nodule du sein est habituellement la premi\ue8re manifestation du cancer du sein. Cent quarante quatre (37,5%) savaient qu'un ant\ue9c\ue9dent familial de cancer du sein \ue9tait un facteur de risque, tandis que deux cent soixante quatorze (71,2%) r\ue9pondirent qu'un cancer dans un sein chez une femme augmentait le risque d'avoir un cancer dans l'autre sein. Deux cent soixante et onze (83,4%) savaient que le cancer du sein pouvait s'\ue9tendre d'un sein \ue0 l'autre et deux cent trente (59,7%) savaient que le cancer pouvait s'\ue9tendre \ue0 d'autres parties du corps. Cent quatre vingt trois (47,5%) seraient pr\ueates \ue0 consulter \ue0 titre de premi\ue8re r\ue9action si elles \ue9taient amen\ue9es \ue0 constater un nodule du sein, tandis que vingt-trois (6,0%) l'ignoreraient. Alors que trois cent vingt-sept (85,0%) avaient entendu parler de l'auto palpation du sein, seulement cent (26,0%) pouvaient correctement d\ue9crire cette proc\ue9dure. Pendant que cent quarante cinq (35,0%) avaient entendu parler de la mammographie, seulement 27 (7%) proc\ue8dent \ue0 une mammographie annuelle. Trois cent soixante douze (96,6%) savent que la mammographie est pratiqu\ue9e comme un \ue9l\ue9ment de la prise en charge du cancer du sein, mais seulement quarante neuf (12,7%) ont entendu parler de chirurgie conservatrice. Conclusion: Le niveau de connaissance sur le cancer du sein parmi les fonctionnaires de Benin City est bas. Il y a n\ue9cessit\ue9 d'organiser des s\ue9ries de programmes d'\ue9ducation pour \ue9clairer les femmes au sujet du cancer du sein. Cela peut se faire par des agences gouvernementales ou des organisations non gouvernementales. Proprement ex\ue9cut\ue9, cela devrait influencer l'attitude des femmes de Benin City a propos des maladies du sein et encourager les consultations pr\ue9coces

Penetrating abdominal injury cases admitted in University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

An audit of patients with penetrating abdominal injuries who were admitted and managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital between January 1, 1992 and December 31st 2001 was carried out to ascertain the pattern of injury. Of the 34 cases, 30 (88.2%) were males and 4 (11.8%) females, giving a male/female ratio of 8.5:1. The age range was 1 to 51 years (mean 25.23±5.6years). The 21 to 30 age group was the most vulnerable while those above 60 were least affected. Gun was the weapon used in most of the cases (64.7%) and most of them were due to armed robbery attack (50.0%) and accidental discharge from police rifles (36.4%). The incidence of penetrating abdominal injuries especially through gunshot injuries is on the increase and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in our community. Control measures and ways of reducing morbidity and mortality are suggested. Keywords: penetrating abdominal injuries, gun shot injuries. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 3 (1&2) 2004: pp. 39-4

Effects of Breast Cancer and Mastectomy on Fibrinolytic Activity in African Women

Reduced blood fibrinolytic activity (FA) has been postulated in cancer. It is good to know if this is also the case in Africans with breast cancer. Africans are known to possess enhanced fibrinolysis. This study was designed to assess the effect of breast cancer on fibrinolytic activity and the effect of mastectomy on fibrinolysis in African women. Sixty histo-patholically proven breast cancer patients aged 25 - 45 years were compared with 50 healthy age-matched controls. Plasma fibrinogen levels and euglobulin lysis time (ELT) were estimated in breast cancer patients and the controls. Patients with breast cancer had significantly increased fibrinogen levels euglobulin lysis time (P<0.001) compared with controls. There was significant mean difference between pre and post-mastectomy fibrinogen and euglobulin lysis time values (p<0.05). Progressive significant decrease in fibrinogen levels and euglobulin lysis time values (P<0.05) were observed over the weeks studied respectively. African women with breast cancer have defective fibrin clearing which could predispose them to thrombotic diathesis and early mastectomy may be beneficial. We suggest that fibrinolytic components may be a prognostic marker for breast cancer.Effets du cancer du sein et de la mammectomie sur l&apos;activité fibrinolytique chez les femmes africaines. L&apos;activité fibrinolytique du sang réduite (AF) a été postulée dans le cancer. Il faut bien savoir si c&apos;est le cas chez les Africains atteints du cancer du sein. On reconnaît chez les Africains une fibrinolyse exaltée. Cette étude a été menée pour évaluer l&apos;effet du cancer du sein sur l&apos;activité fibrinolytique et l&apos;effet de la mammectomie sur la fibrinolyse chez les femmes africaines. Soixante femmes atteintes du cancer du sein et qui sont âgées de 25 - 45 ans dont les cas ont été confirmés histo-pathologiquement ont été comparées à cinquante femmes de mêmes âges qui n&apos;étaient pas atteintes, servant des cas témoin. Le niveau du fibrinogène du plasma et le temps de lyse engloblines (TLE) ont été calculés chez les patientes atteintes du cancer du sein et chez les femmes témoin. Les femmes atteinte du cancer du sein ont eu des niveaux élevés du fibrinogène et du temps de lyse eugloblines (P<0,001) par rapport au groupe témoin. Il y a eu une différence moyenne importante entre la pre et la post mammectomie du fibrinogène et des valeurs du temps de lyse (p < 0,05). Au cours des semaines étudiées respectivement, nous avons remarqué une baisse significative progressive dans les niveaux du fibrinogène et dans les valeurs du temps de lyse (p < 0,05). Les femmes africaines qui sont atteintes du cancer du sein ont une dépuration de la fibrine qui les dispose à la diathèse thrombotique et une mammectomie précoce peut être salutaire. Nous suggérons que les étéments fibrinolytiques peuvent être un indice pronostique pour le cancer du sein

Fournier\'s gangrene secondary to prolonged use of Steroid- containing cream: a case report

A case of Fournier's gangrene in a patient that had used a steroid containing bleaching cream for five years is reported with a brief discussion on the possible mode of action of the cream. Other effects of the cream (striae, ‘bleaching') are also noted. We also present this case as a rare cause of Fournier's gangrene. Keywords: Fournier's gangrene, Bleaching cream, Steroid, Striae. Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 1 (2) 2002: pp. 152-15

Gallbladder Carcinoma Unassociated With Cholelithiasis:

Carcinoma of the gallbladder is a rare and often over looked cause of right upper abdominal quadrant pain. Diagnostic delay is common as the clinical features are confused with those of chronic cholecystitis. We report two cases of gallbladder carcinoma not associated with gallstones occurring in two middle-aged women. To our knowledge this is the first report in Nigeria of gallbladder carcinoma unassociated with cholelithiasis. We conclude that there should be a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with weight loss and chronic cholecystitis syndrome. Keywords: Gallbladder Carcinoma, Cholecystitis, Radical Cholecystectomy.Nigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 17 (2) 2007: pp. 113-11

Paediatric intussusception in Benin City, Nigeria

Intussusception is one of the leading causes of intestinal obstruction in children. This study reports our experience in the management of intussusception in Benin City,Nigeria. This was a 10-year retrospective review of intussusception in children at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital from January, 1997 to December, 2006. Twenty four children were admitted with intussusception (M: F = 1:1.4) within the period. Only three patients (12.5%) presented within 24 hours of onset of illness. Ten (41.6%) presented between one and four days; seven (29.2%) between five and10 days, while four (16.6%) presented between 11and14 days. Abdominal pain, irritability, blood in stools, vomiting, abdominal distension and palpablemass in various combinations were the clinical features. All the patients, except one (4%), were below the age of one year. There was much delay before presentation of infantswith intussusception,with high attendantmortality. Keywords: paediatric, intussusception.African Journal of Paediatric Surgery Vol. 4 (1) 2007: pp. 12-1

Knowledge Attitude and Practice about Breast Cancer among Civil Servants in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Breast cancer is often associated with severe morbidity and mortality especially when the patients present late. A major reason why patients present late is the lack of awareness about breast cancer, its complications and the management. Methods: The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire. A total of 400 female civil servants were enlisted in the study, but only 385 respondents completed and returned the forms. Results: Two hundred and seventy seven (72.0%) respondents had tertiary level of education. Sixty six (17.1%) respondents were in the 30-34-year age group. Three hundred and twelve (81.0%) respondents knew correctly that breast lump is usually the first symptom of presentation of breast cancer. One hundred and forty four (37.5%) respondents knew that a positive family history of breast cancer is a risk factor, while two hundred and seventy four (71.2%) respondents answered that cancer of one breast in a woman increases her chances of having cancer of the other breast. Three hundred and twenty one (83.4%) respondents knew that breast cancer could spread from one breast to the other and two hundred and thirty (59.7%) knew that breast cancer could spread to other parts of the body. One hundred and eighty three (47.5%) respondents would visit the hospital as the first reaction if they were to detect a breast lump, while twenty three (6.0%) respondents would ignore the lump. While three hundred and twenty seven (85.0%) respondents have heard of breast self- examination, only one hundred (26.0%) could correctly describe the procedure of breast self -examination. While one hundred and thirty five (35.0%) respondents have heard of mammography, only twenty seven (7%) respondents go for yearly mammography screening. Three hundred and seventy two (96.6%) respondents know that mastectomy is done as part of the management of breast cancer, but only forty nine (12.7%) respondents have heard about conservative surgery. Conclusion: The level of awareness about breast cancer among civil servants in Benin City is low. There is the need to organize series of health education programs to enlighten the women about breast cancer. This can be done by government agencies or the non-governmental organizations. If properly executed, it may influence the attitude of women in Benin City about breast diseases and encourage early presentation to the hospital.Contexte: Le cancer du sein est souvent associé à une morbidité et une mortalité sévère particulièrement lorsque les patientes consultent tard. La raison principale de cette consultation tardive est le manque de sensibilisation sur le cancer du sein, ses complications et son traitement. Méthode: L&apos;étude a été menée à l&apos;aide d&apos;un questionnaire structuré. Au total de 400 femmes fonctionnaires ont été enrôlées dans l&apos;étude, mais seulement 385 complétèrent et retournèrent le questionnaire. Résultats: Deux cent soixante dix sept (72,0%) des participantes avaient un niveau d&apos;éducation tertiaire. Soixante six (17,1%) étaient de la tranche d&apos;âge de 30 à 34 ans. Trois cent douze (81,0%) savaient parfaitement que le nodule du sein est habituellement la première manifestation du cancer du sein. Cent quarante quatre (37,5%) savaient qu&apos;un antécédent familial de cancer du sein était un facteur de risque, tandis que deux cent soixante quatorze (71,2%) répondirent qu&apos;un cancer dans un sein chez une femme augmentait le risque d&apos;avoir un cancer dans l&apos;autre sein. Deux cent soixante et onze (83,4%) savaient que le cancer du sein pouvait s&apos;étendre d&apos;un sein à l&apos;autre et deux cent trente (59,7%) savaient que le cancer pouvait s&apos;étendre à d&apos;autres parties du corps. Cent quatre vingt trois (47,5%) seraient prêtes à consulter à titre de première réaction si elles étaient amenées à constater un nodule du sein, tandis que vingt-trois (6,0%) l&apos;ignoreraient. Alors que trois cent vingt-sept (85,0%) avaient entendu parler de l&apos;auto palpation du sein, seulement cent (26,0%) pouvaient correctement décrire cette procédure. Pendant que cent quarante cinq (35,0%) avaient entendu parler de la mammographie, seulement 27 (7%) procèdent à une mammographie annuelle. Trois cent soixante douze (96,6%) savent que la mammographie est pratiquée comme un élément de la prise en charge du cancer du sein, mais seulement quarante neuf (12,7%) ont entendu parler de chirurgie conservatrice. Conclusion: Le niveau de connaissance sur le cancer du sein parmi les fonctionnaires de Benin City est bas. Il y a nécessité d&apos;organiser des séries de programmes d&apos;éducation pour éclairer les femmes au sujet du cancer du sein. Cela peut se faire par des agences gouvernementales ou des organisations non gouvernementales. Proprement exécuté, cela devrait influencer l&apos;attitude des femmes de Benin City a propos des maladies du sein et encourager les consultations précoces