The impact of mass media on breast cancer campaign in nigeria

Project Abstract

Breast cancer remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in promoting early detection and treatment. Mass media, including television, radio, newspapers, and social media, are powerful tools for disseminating information about breast cancer to the public. This research project aims to explore the impact of mass media on breast cancer campaigns in Nigeria. The study will analyze the content of breast cancer campaigns in the Nigerian mass media, focusing on the messages, images, and strategies used to raise awareness about the disease. By conducting a content analysis of television programs, radio broadcasts, newspaper articles, and social media posts related to breast cancer, this research will examine how the media portray the disease and promote key messages such as the importance of regular screening, early detection, and access to treatment. In addition, the project will investigate the effectiveness of mass media campaigns in increasing knowledge and changing attitudes towards breast cancer among the Nigerian population. Surveys and interviews will be conducted to assess the awareness levels, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals exposed to breast cancer messages through the media. By analyzing the data collected, this research will evaluate the impact of mass media on knowledge dissemination, attitude formation, and behavioral change regarding breast cancer in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with using mass media for breast cancer campaigns in Nigeria. Factors such as media access, literacy levels, cultural beliefs, and healthcare infrastructure will be considered in assessing the effectiveness of media campaigns in reaching diverse audiences and promoting positive health outcomes. Overall, this research project will contribute to the existing literature on the role of mass media in public health campaigns, particularly in the context of breast cancer awareness in Nigeria. By examining the impact of mass media messages on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to breast cancer, this study aims to provide insights that can inform the design and implementation of future campaigns to improve breast cancer outcomes in Nigeria.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 &nbsp; &nbsp; Background of the Study</strong></p><p>Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, with over one million new cases diagnosed annually, resulting in over 400,000 deaths. About 4.4 million women are living with the disease in the world (Oluwatosin and Oladepo, 2011, p.9; Akpo, Akpo, Akhator, 2009, p.2). Breast cancer will continue to pose serious challenge to Nigeria and other developing countries due to seemingly lack of media campaign directed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality (Gotzshe, 2011, p.8; Adika, Joffa, Makoro, Yagba- Obariobora, Apiyanteide, 2012, pp.17-23; Irurhe, 2012, pp.1-5; Ntekim, 2009, pp.242; Agarwal, 2011, p. 235). It had been shown that African women, including Nigerians, have low knowledge of the risk factors of breast cancer. Cancer, the generic name for carcinoma is the malignant type of uncontrolled growth of cells and tissues (Lawal and Adesunkanmi, 2008, pp. 107) The risk factors for breast cancer include obesity, lower levels of physical activity, use of hormone replacement therapy, smoking, alcohol and family history, among others. Breast cancer often appeared as breast lump or bloody nipple discharge (Adebamowo, 2007, P. 4, Gerlach, Marino and Hoffman-Goetz (2006, pp. 240-244). In the developed countries, most of the breast cancer patients seek for medical attention on time, due to better knowledge of the disease while breast cancer patients in Nigeria report late to hospitals for treatment due to lack of knowledge of the disease. The late report of breast cancer cases in Nigeria had been attributed to lack of national screening programme for breast cancer, lack of knowledge of early detection measures, such as breast self-examination and clinical breast examination. Most studies suggest that breast self- examination was an efficient method of detecting cancerous turmour at an earlier stage, which will lead to higher rate of survival (Gotzshe, 2011,p.8; Akinola, Wright, Osunfidiya, Orogbemi, Akinola, 2011, p.11; Shalinini and Nayak 2011,p.7; Osime, Okojie, Aigbekaen, 2008, pp.192-197 ). Majority of breast cancer patients delay going for medical treatment due to lack of finances.</p><p>Scholars agree that media awareness campaigns should be seen as the cornerstone for health communication interventions. This is because of the myriad of communication techniques and channels that could be used to increase awareness and knowledge of health problems and interventions (Kreps &amp; Sivaram, 2009; DeJong, 2010; Obono, 2011). Day (2011) opines that media awareness campaigns “are varied, multifaceted, highly planned and strategically assembled media symphonies designed to increase awareness, inform, or change behavior in target audiences” (p.79). Thus, media awareness campaigns are planned communication techniques that are designed to suit target groups in order to tackle diseases and health challenges that negatively affect individuals in the society. Interestingly, DeJong (2010) argues that media awareness campaigns are also known as information campaigns, which are used to raise awareness of health problems, usually with the intent of motivating people to avoid the problems. Okorie, Oyesomi and Kayode (2014) reasoned that the effective use of media awareness campaigns to promote breast cancer care recognizes the actual and potential roles of the mass media and interpersonal channels. It is also believed that mass media channels have the power to reach and inform large audiences, while interpersonal channels have been more influential in motivating attitudinal change. This study investigates the influence of media awareness campaigns on breast cancer care among women in South-West Nigeria. The subjects comprised women within the ages of 25 and 50 years, in Lagos, Oyo and Ekiti States. The choice of the group was based on the understanding that women within the age group (25 and 50 years) are the most vulnerable to the disease. Hulka and Moorman (2001) observe “breast cancer incidence is low (less than 10 new cases per 100,000 women) before age 25 and increases up to 100 fold by age 45”(p.104). Thus, it was essential that the researcher make use of women in residential houses to have access to women within the age range of 25 and 50 years.</p><p><strong>1.2 &nbsp; &nbsp; Statement of the Problem</strong></p><p>Cancer is one of the deadly diseases that has threatened the world. According to WHO (2005), about 12.5% of all deaths globally are caused by cancer, with the percentage more than the percentage of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria put together. The increase in the attacks and deaths of women with breast cancer in Nigeria poses a pertinent question on the effect of breast cancer campaigns on women as regards the poor responses to early presentation of breast cancer. It is in view of the above and given the confirmation of American Cancer Society (2007) that breast cancer deaths remain preventable at the early stage, that the researcher critically evaluated the effectiveness of the media campaign programs on breast cancer, in causing a quick and prompt positive changes of the women in performing their BSE and CBE for the reduction in their mortality rate.</p><p><strong>1.3 &nbsp; &nbsp; Objective of the Study</strong></p><p>The main objective of this study is to find out the impact mass media has on cancer campaign and the awareness it has created among women in Nigeria; specifically the study intends to:</p><p>1. &nbsp; &nbsp; Find out the level of awareness created on breast cancer among women</p><p>2. &nbsp; &nbsp; Find out the challenges face by the mass media in the campaign against breast cancer in Nigeria</p><p>3. &nbsp; &nbsp; Find out the impact mass media has on cancer campaign and the awareness among women</p><p><strong>1.4 &nbsp; &nbsp; Research Question</strong></p><p>1. &nbsp; &nbsp; Find out the level of awareness created on breast cancer among women</p><p>2. &nbsp; &nbsp; Find out the challenges face by the mass media in the campaign against breast cancer in Nigeria</p><p>3. &nbsp; &nbsp; Find out the impact mass media has on cancer campaign and the awareness among women</p><p><strong>1.5 &nbsp; &nbsp; Research Hypothesis</strong></p><p><strong>Ho: </strong>there is no significant impact of mass media on cancer campaign in Nigeria</p><p><strong>Hi: </strong>there is significant impact of mass media on cancer campaign in Nigeria</p><p><strong>1.6 &nbsp; &nbsp; Significance of the Study</strong></p><p>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. It will also serve as a data base to mass communication researchers who may be interested in learning the global fight on breast cancer and future researchers, who may embarking on similar research in future. And finally It will serve as a document for government and non-governmental organizations, policy makers and media campaigns planners in the field of breast cancer.</p><p><strong>1.7 &nbsp; &nbsp; Scope of the Study</strong></p><p>This study will cover two close local government in Lagos and Ogun state, the local government chosen are Alimosho LGA in Lagos state and Ado-Odo LGA in Ogun state. This research will cover the scope of cancer and breast cancer, challenges of cancer and how to avoid it, the concept of mass media and different types of mass media will also be studied and how to create awareness through mass media.</p><p><strong>1.8 &nbsp; &nbsp; Limitation of the Study</strong></p><p>The challenge of finance for the general research work will be a challenge during the course of study. However, it is believed that these constraints will be worked on by making the best use of the available materials and spending more than the necessary time in the research work. Therefore, it is strongly believed that despite these constraint, its effect on this research report will be minimal, thus, making the objective and significance of the study achievable.</p><p><strong>1.9 &nbsp; &nbsp; Definition of Terms</strong></p><p><strong>Impact: </strong>a marked effect or influence</p><p><strong>Mass Media: </strong>the media</p><p><strong>Cancer: </strong>a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.</p><p><strong>Campaign: </strong>an organized course of action to achieve a goal.</p> <br><p></p>