Charity urges to make breast cancer checks

Women are being urged to check regularly for signs of breast cancer after a study found almost half do not.

The study, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Breast Cancer Now, also revealed that one in 10 women have "never checked for new or unusual changes".

Some 47% said they did not check“often” for potential signs and 19% said they did it "once every six months or less."

When asked what prevents them from checking regularly, 46% said they forget to do so but a fifth (21%) revealed they are" not confident" about what changes they are looking for.

Breast Cancer Now says it is particularly concerned that some women said they would not visit a GP for a check-up due to feeling embarrassed, did not want to bother a doctor during the pandemic or they were "too busy".

Breast Cancer Now say women should check at least every six weeks.

The charity’ s head of public health and wellbeing, Manveet Basra, said: "Breast checking is quick, easy and can help detect any breast cancer early, giving treatment the best chance of working.

"There' s no special technique, just look for any new or unusual changes in the breasts, armpits and collarbone.

She added: "Please don't feel embarrassed talking about this simple step that could save your life."

Sarah Manley, a teacher from South London, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 after discovering a lump by chance.

You can talk to expert nurse sat Breast Cancer Now on 0808 800 6000.