INTRODUCTION:
Breast self-examination (BSE) is a cost-effective method for early detection of breast abnormalities and reduction of breast cancer mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Regular BSE among young women supports early diagnosis and prevention. This study assessed BSE knowledge and practice among female undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

METHODS:
This cross-sectional study (March–April 2025) involved female undergraduates aged 16–35 years residing in campus hostels. Data were collected using a 35-item questionnaire which included a checklist. Participants were selected using systematic and simple random sampling. An educational video on proper BSE procedure was shown to address knowledge gaps. Bloom’s cut-off points were used to classify knowledge and practice, and data were analysed using IBM SPSS 29.0 with descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square at p < 0.05.

RESULTS:
All 400 participants were female campus residents (n = 400, 100%). The majority (n = 393, 98.4%) were 26 years old and below. Most respondents were in 100-level (n = 116, 29.0%) and single (n = 397, 99.3%). Most had no formal BSE training (n = 234, 58.5%), reported no family history of breast cancer (n = 366, 91.5%), and few (n = 3, 0.8%) had a breast-related disorder. Most respondents (n = 364, 91.0%) had poor BSE knowledge, and most (n = 303, 75.8%) also had poor practice. Significant associations existed between BSE knowledge and level of study (χ² = 56.263, p < 0.001) and history of breast-related disorders (χ² = 68.468, p < 0.001). Age (χ² = 18.493, p = 0.018), level of study (χ² = 23.018, p = 0.011), and prior awareness (χ² = 16.519, p < 0.001) were significant for practice.

CONCLUSIONS:
Most of the respondents demonstrated poor BSE knowledge and practice. This underscores the need for tailored interventions to improve awareness and promote regular practice.