A NEW iPhone application designed to remind women to check for signs of breast cancer was launched today.

The iBreastCheck enables women to set a personalised alert to look for any unusual symptoms.

Designed to improve understanding of the disease, the app was brought out as a new study for Breakthrough Breast Cancer revealed 50% of women were not carrying out regular checks.

Bernie Nolan, who is currently being treated for the disease, said: “This is an incredible development from Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

“The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of beating it, which is why I would urge every woman to get into the habit of being breast aware and following Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s simple Touch Look Check message – it could make all the difference.”

The 49-year-old member of all-sibling pop group The Nolans shaved her head after chemotherapy treatment caused her hair to fall out.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in April, she is the third Nolan sister to battle the disease.

Along with the alert, the iBreastCheck includes information explaining what symptoms to look out for.

Users can also complete The Risk Report to help them assess their own likelihood of contracting breast cancer based on family history, lifestyle and environmental factors.

Dr Sarah Rawlings, head of policy at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “While most breast cancers are in women aged over 50, a woman can develop the disease at any time so it is vital that all women are breast aware.”

Breast cancer is the UK’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, with nearly 46,000 cases reported each year.

The iBreastCheck is free to download from iTunes and the www.iBreastCheck.com website.