Do you know how to check your breasts?
More than half of women fear a diagnosis of breast cancer, yet still one in five cannot identify any signs or symptoms.
Given that it still remains are the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, affecting nearly 48,000 women every year, it's quite shocking that a fifth are still unaware of how to identify the disease.
The poll of over 1,000 women, which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it revealed that 83 per cent of women check their breasts for lumps, yet there are other symptoms which are less widely know about. For example, less than three out of ten women check for a change in the size or shape of the breast and only 5 per cent check for signs of the nipple turning in when it doesn't normally.
Breakthrough Breast Cancer Ambassador Bernie Nolan, who was successfully treated for the disease last year, says:
"People assume finding a lump is the only way to spot breast cancer, but there are other vital signs women should be aware of. I noticed my breasts had changed shape and immediately went to see my doctor.
"I cannot stress how important it is to get to know your breasts so you can easily notice any unusual changes. I really want all women to learn about Breakthrough Breast Cancer's Touch Look Check message so they can be breast aware."
Another survey revealed that womens anxieties about breast cancer go further than being diagnosed, they also fear that the cancer could spread to other parts of the body, they may not survive, the long-term side effects and the dreaded moment of having to tell loved ones.
Chris Askew, chief executive at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, says: "These results show that British women are fearful not only being diagnosed with breast cancer, but also the long and short term effects of the disease. At Breakthrough, everything we do is leading to a future free from the fear of breast cancer - by researching its causes, by promoting early detection, by ensuring precise diagnosis and by improving health services and discovering new and better treatmetns. We want every woman to know for certain that she will be here, with the people she loves, for years to come."
Tagged in Breast Cancer Health