Cancer Research UK in a survey has made findings related to womens' awareness of breast cancer. The organization feels that among other things, the 'Kylie effect' has sent awarenesss of breast cancer spiralling upward.
However this too is not without its own share of misconceptions. While it has tended to 'set a chain of panic' among younger women, older women may feel that breast cancer does not stand to affect them. In actuality, the organization says that risk of breast cancer increases with age to the extent that 80% of breast cancer cases in the UK are seen in women over the age of 50.
Another leading breast cancer charity in the UK, Breakthrough Breast Cancer after conducting a survey observes that 80% of women had neither checked for signs of lumps in the breast nor gone in for a mammogram.
October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Breakthrough Breast Cancer has launched an educational campaign on the disease. In a survey, the organisation learnt that 47% of women do not check their breasts because they don't know how and while 95% knew that a lump in the breast means trouble, they were not aware of the signs or symptoms to watch out for.
56% of respondents have become aware since Kylie Minogue's diagnosis, with awareness increasing across all age groups. Awareness was highest (62%) in Kylie's own age group, women aged 35-44.
Dr Sarah Rawlings of Breakthrough Breast Cancer says: “We want to dispel the myth that being breast aware means you need to follow a complicated routine, it doesn't. It simply means getting to know your breasts by touching, looking and checking them often. Remember that 9 out of ten lumps are not cancerous but by showing your breasts some TLC, you'll be able to spot any abnormal changes and make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible."
Breakthrough has created a pink TLC wristband for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a handy credit card sized leaflet on the disease. Marks & Spencer is helping Breakthrough Breast Cancer spread the TLC: Touch, Look, Check message to its customers this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In addition to selling almost 40 products in store that will help raise funds for Breakthrough's research and education, Marks & Spencer will also have pink ribbon pins and pink TLC wristbands at till points throughout the month which are available with purse-size cards which contain information on the TLC message and other Breakthrough activity.
