Being 'Breast Aware' saved my life

Oct 4 2007 by Emma Johnson, Liverpool Daily Post

Your survival is in your hands

BREAKTHROUGH Breast Cancer is calling on GPs to work with them to help clear up widespread confusion among patients about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Recent research revealed that a quarter of women believe having a persistent cough can be a sign of breast cancer, 81% think a mole on the breast is a sign, and a third consider having an extra nipple could indicate the disease.

In fact, none of these are directly related to primary breast cancer – although a persistent cough or changes to moles may be signs of other cancers.

An ICM survey of 1,190 UK women aged over 50 was commissioned by Breakthrough, as part of the charity’s Show Your Breasts Some TLC: Touch Look Check campaign.

It also revealed that, although the vast majority of women aged over 50 consider themselves breast aware and check for breast lumps, many remain unaware of the full range of signs and symptoms.

Only 1 in 10 look for inversion of the nipple, while only 14% look for changes in the skin on the breasts; only 16% say they check for discharge from the nipple and only 22% said they look for changes in the appear- ance of the nipple, while less than a quarter said they looked for changes in the size or shape of the breast and just over half said they looked for lumps in the armpit.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s survey forms part of the charity’s Show your Breasts Some TLC: Touch Look Check campaign, supported by a host of well-known faces, including Liver- pool-born actress Kim Cattrall.

“Playing a character on a series who is a breast cancer survivor opened my eyes not only to the disease itself but to the necessity of taking matters literally into my own hands,” says the Sex and the City star.

“Most breast cancers are detected by women who report unusual changes in their breasts to their doctor, and that’s why I’m supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer to encourage all women to get to know what your breasts look and feel like normal- ly, and if you notice anything unusual for you, check it out with your doctor as soon as possible.”

Maxine's advice

* Get any concerns checked straight away.

* Don’t see breast cancer as a negative – there is a dedicated team of specialists and new treatments to help you survive this.

* Don’t take clear results from a mammogram for granted, still check yourself.