Survey: Scottish breast awareness remains low

Furthermore, four out of five (81%) are not aware that some unusual changes to the nipple could be a symptom of the disease, and half (49%) do not check their breasts regularly for signs and symptoms of the disease.

The third annual breast cancer survey by Breakthrough Breast Cancer in Scotland showed little change since 2009, when the first breast cancer awareness survey was carried out. The figures highlight the urgency for the Scottish Government to roll out its planned Detect Cancer Early initiative, which aims to save lives of people with breast, colorectal and lung cancer through early diagnosis.

Audrey Birt, Breakthrough Breast Cancer Director for Scotland, said: “These poll results show that many women need to check their breasts more regularly and be aware of what they are looking for. Being breast aware can make a vital difference because the earlier breast cancer is picked up the better the chance of successful treatment.

“Our own message is show your breasts some TLC – touch, look, check. Do this by regularly touching, looking for changes and checking anything unusual with your doctor and attending breast screening if you are over 50, as these are the best ways to identify breast cancer early. If you find any unusual changes or are worried by anything, you should talk to your GP straight away.”

Country singer and radio presenter Jackie Storrar, 45, from Kirkcaldy, discovered a lump just before Christmas 2009 and is now a passionate advocate of all women being breast aware.

Jackie Storrar said: “Getting breast cancer came as a total shock. It was tough going through treatment but I’m glad to say I got through it. What I noticed was a lump and I was fortunate the cancer was picked up early. I now want to spread the word about how important it is for all women to check themselves regularly and be breast aware.”

Audrey Birt continued: “What we can take from this is that there is a lot more to be done across the board to improve breast cancer awareness in Scotland. This will take time and effort, but with 1,000 women dying of breast cancer here each year, improving awareness remains of paramount importance. We hope the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early initiative will be rolled out soon and make a difference in improving survival rates for women with breast cancer.”

Breakthrough Breast Cancer has its own free-to-download breast awareness iPhone app, available at www.ibreastcheck.com.