Manveet Basra, associate director of public health, inclusion and awareness, at Breast Cancer Now, said
“Around two thirds of breast cancers in England are found when women detect a new or unusual breast change and get this checked out by a GP.[1]
“That’s why it’s so important that every woman is supported and empowered to know the importance of regular breast checking and the many different signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
“The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment, and lives being saved from the disease.
“With our latest research finding that over 2 in 5 women in the UK aren’t regularly checking their breasts, we want to help get it back on their agenda.[2]
“Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes. And there's no right way to check, as long as you’re doing it regularly. Check your whole breast area, armpits and up to your collarbone. Remember to get any new or unusual breast changes checked by a GP. At Breast Cancer Now, we say it’s as simple as TLC: Touch, Look, Check.
“There’s more information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer at breastcancernow.org/checking”
ENDS
Notes to editors
[1] Routes to diagnosis. National Disease Registration Service. (One third of breast cancers in England are detected through breast screening).
[2] A nationally representative sample: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2137 adult females. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th - 12th September 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adult females (aged 18+). The 44% of women defined as not ‘regularly’ checking their breasts was made up of women responding that they checked their breasts at least once every 3 months; at least once every 6 months; at least once a year; less than once a year; or never.