One in six women 'has no idea' on breast cancer

Published on Wednesday 15 April 2009 22:01

SCOTS women have an "alarming lack of awareness" about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, research has revealed.

A study for the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer found that one in six women questioned on the issue could not name a single symptom of the disease.

Last night, health experts warned that ignorance on the issue was not confined to younger or economically disadvantaged groups, but middle-class and older females were also failing to pick up the signs.

According to the survey, almost a quarter could not identify a breast lump as a sign of the cancer and only a third regularly checked their breasts. Myles Fitt, campaign manager for the charity, said:

"The findings were across the board, from the under-16s upwards and across different classes.

"They don't immediately seek help because they are fearful of what they have found. If you can detect it early, that is the best chance of a successful outcome."

Breast cancer kills more than 1,000 women in Scotland a year and about 4,000 are diagnosed with the condition. It is the most common cancer among Scots women.

The charity is calling on women to become more "breast aware" and carry out regular checks. Signs include lumps in the breast or armpit, changes in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling of the skin or changes in its texture. Campaigners are asking women over 50 – who are more likely to be hit by the disease – to take advantage of breast screening.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer highlighted the case of Dorothy Denham, 52, of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian. Ms Denham, whose mother died from breast cancer, noticed a wrinkle near her nipple but as she could not feel a lump, did not believe there was a problem. Later, however, she got it checked out and was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Ms Denham underwent surgery and her long-term prognosis is good. She said: "I was lucky because, despite ignoring the first warning sign, it was still early enough to remove the cancer before it could spread."