Exploring the Impact of Social Perception of Breast Cancer Screening and Practice of Breast Self-examination Among Seniorhigh School Girls in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Background Breast Cancer is the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in women worldwide. Breast cancer prevention greatly depends on early detection. Screening for this disease helps discover it early. Knowledge, perception, and family influence were revealed to be strong predictors of BC screening. This study assessed the impact of social perception of Breast Cancer Screening and the practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among adolescent girls in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods Using a cross-sectional study method, we investigated the social perceptions and practices of Breast self-examination at four second-cycle institutions in the Akuapim North District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The data were collected from female students via a systematic questionnaire between August and November 2024. Results Five hundred and twenty senior high school girls were involved in the study. The mean age was 17.3 years. Only 6% (n = 33) had a good perception of breast cancer (BC). Age (≥ 18 years), father’s education, school attended, years in school, study program (science), and family history of BC significantly influenced social perception of BC. Regarding Breast Self-Examination (BSE), 85% had heard of it, mainly from the media, but less than half had adequate knowledge. Most respondents could not recall their last BSE; 13% performed it anytime, and less than 10% did it monthly. Major barriers to BC screening were fear of a positive result and fear of pain/discomfort, with religious beliefs being the least common barrier. No significant association was found between social perception and BSE practice. Conclusion In this survey, the majority of Senior High School girls had poor perceptions of both Breast Cancer screening and Breast Cancer. The results, therefore, suggest that stakeholders of senior high schools, such as the Ghana Education Service, nongovernmental organisations, the Ministry of Health through the Ghana Health Service, etc., should collaborate to intensify awareness of breast cancer and the practice of breast cancer screening among adolescents, especially in senior high schools.