CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Breast cancer is the most common diagnosed cancer in women globally and the second most common cancer in the world. (Azenha, Bass, Caleffi, Smith, Pretorius, Durstine and Perez, 2016; Parkin, Bray, Ferlay and Pisani, 2015; Okobia, Bunker, Okonofua, and Osime, 2016). Its attacks on women is reported to be three times higher in developed parts of the world than in less developed parts, but the death toll is greater in less developed regions (Azenha et al, 2017).
It is however a cancer that originates from breast tissue; hence it is regarded as a cancer of the glandular tissue of the breast. Though the disease is confirmed to be found both in male and female patients, yet the incidence is hundred times more in women than in men. (Russel 2017). Breast cancer is therefore a proliferation of breast cells that is characterized by an abnormal growth and division of the cells to the destruction of the surrounding tissues through the filtration of the cancerous cells into the blood stream (Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, 2017).
According toYourgenom.org, cancer is a complex group of diseases with many possible causes. Many people worry that substances or exposures in their environment may cause cancer. There are substances and exposures that are known or suspected to cause cancer. Cancer is caused by changes in a cell’s DNA – its genetic “blueprint.” Some of these changes may be inherited from our parents. Others may be caused by outside exposures, which are often referred to as environmental factors. Environmental factors can include a wide range of exposures, such as: Lifestyle factors e.g. nutrition, tobacco use, physical activity, etc., naturally occurring exposures e.g. ultraviolet light, radon gas, infectious agents, etc., medicaltreatments (radiation and medicines including chemotherapy, hormone drugs, drugs that suppress the immune system, etc.), workplace exposures, household exposures, pollution............... Cont.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Breast cancer is on the rise globally, and killing a lot of women in Nigeria. Now the question still remains, how many of these population are aware of the dangers and if possibly preventive measures of this deadly disease?
According to McCombs and Manuro (1977) in Ekeanyanwu (2007) the media provides clue to the public about the degree of importance to attach to an issue, such as campaigns on health-related issues like breast cancer. For example, the coverage giving to HIV/AIDS in the media has made the issue paramount in the minds of many Nigerians and relevant actions are being taken. Onabanjo (2002) says it is only a healthy mind that can contribute to societal and national development.
The primary aim of the study is to find the importance of communication in the awareness campaign of breast cancer with the empirical study of Ahmadu Bello University female undergraduates, samaru main campus Zaria..
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objectives of the study are:
1. To find out the awareness level of communication intervention in the campaign against breast cancer among female undergraduates of Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Zaria?
2. To find out the perception of female undergraduates of Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Zaria, about communication intervention in the awareness campaign against breast cancer among?
3. To ascertain the impact of communication intervention in breast cancer awareness among female undergraduates in Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What is the awareness level of communication intervention in the campaign against breast cancer among female undergraduates of Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Zaria?
2. What is the perception of female undergraduates of Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Zaria, about communication intervention in the awareness campaign against breast cancer among?
3. What is the impact of communication intervention in breast cancer awareness among female undergraduates in Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study is set to find the impact of communication intervention in the awareness of breast cancer with an empirical study of Ahmadu Bello University female undergraduates, Samaru Main Campus, Zaria. Therefore, the research covers the student population of the Samaru campus only. A sample size will be drawn, as a representation of the student population. In other words, this work will only use as respondents, the female undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Zaria, who will be the population study.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This study has both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, it will contribute to the articulation of the media campaign role in solving the problem of breast cancer. However, It may also serve as a database to mass communication researchers who may be interested in learning about the use of media campaigns in the global fight on breast cancer.
Practically, it may serve as a document for government and non-governmental organizations, policy makers and media campaigns planners in the field of breast cancer. Furthermore, it could shed light on how students perceive the dangers of breast ...... Cont
1.7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The study will employ the survey method. A survey research is that type that relies on a group of people or items studied by collecting and analyzing data from only people or items considered to be representative of the entire group. A survey type is used because only part of the population is studied and the findings from these are to be drawn from the entire population. This approach is regarded with immense importance because it relies more on raw field data or primary data collection techniques.