How breast aware are UK women?

UK women of all ages are being urged throughout October to be more ‘breast aware’ and make sure they regularly check themselves for signs of cancer.

With a study from a leading charity revealing only around 40 per cent of women examine their bodies frequently it is more important than ever to raise greater awareness of the issue.

Furthermore, of those that do check themselves regularly, only 40% feel confident in what they’re doing when they’re examining their bodies. This lack of confidence could be fuelling anxiety about breast cancer which remains high amongst many women and is often out of proportion with the actual risk they face.

New research shows around eight out of ten women under 25 years of age over estimate their risk of getting breast cancer. Conversely a significant figure of older women (70%), whose chances of getting breast cancer is statistically greatest, have underestimated their own risk.

Ultimately, the key message to women of all ages across the UK is not to panic but to make sure they DO check their breasts for any abnormalities on a regular basis to reduce anxiety and instil more confidence in women. As such, new device Breastlight aims to reassure women during their touch, look and check breast awareness routines.

Log on to our live and interactive webTV show to hear from Dr Sarah Burnett, consultant radiologist at London’s King Edward VII Hospital, who’s survived 11 tumours after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43. She will be joined in the studio by Lieva Nation, Breastlight Nurse Advisor, who will answer your questions about breast cancer, including how to check your breasts properly, recognise the symptoms, common risk factors and how to cope with a positive diagnosis. It is essential advice that no woman can afford to be without.

Dr Sarah Burnett, breast cancer survivor, and Lieva Nation, Breastlight Nurse Advisor, join us live online at
webchats.tv/chat/how_breast_aware_are_uk_women
on 2nd October at 1.30pm to discuss breast cancer.

To submit questions before the chat go to
webchats.tv/chat/how_breast_aware_are_uk_women

For more information visit breastlight.com.