MILLIONS of women are at risk of a deadly cancer because they lack vital signs, experts warn.
New data shows a whopping 41 percent of women in the UK don’t check their boobs on regular basis.
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breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in women and the number of cases is increasing.
Breast Cancer Now experts have urged all women to get to know “their normal” so they can notice any changes.
The figures also showed that 42 percent of women “forget” to check their breasts, while 31 percent are not in the habit of checking at all.
About 18 percent of women said they were not confident when it came to checking themselves, and 15 percent said they didn’t know how to do it.
Manveet Basra, head of public health and wellness at Breast Cancer Now, said research is revealing the barriers women face.
“There are now fewer women who regularly check their breasts than a year ago.
“It is so important that all women feel encouraged and empowered to attend an invitational breast exam, and to have their breasts checked regularly between mammograms, because while most breast changes are not cancer, the sooner it is diagnosed , the greater the chance of successful treatment.”
She said it only takes a few minutes to check your mammary glands and suggested that everyone check them regularly.
Manveet added: “It could be when you’re getting dressed, when you’re taking a shower or applying a moisturizer.
“It’s important to remember to check your entire chest area, your armpits, and up to your collarbone (upper chest) for changes.”
“There is no right way to check, as long as you do it regularly. It’s as simple as TLC: Touch, Look, Check.”
The survey, commissioned by YouGov, found that a quarter of those who check their breasts for possible signs and symptoms of cancerare not confident that they would notice a new or unusual change in their breasts.
The 7 Signs of Breast Cancer You Need to Know
If you notice any of the symptoms below, you should see your GP
- Lumpy or swelling in the breast, breast, or armpit
- Skin changes, such as wrinkles or dimples
- Change in breast color – it may look red or inflamed
- A change in the nipple – does it seem reversed?
- Skin rash or crusting around the nipple
- Unusual separation of the forceps
- Changes in breast size or shape
About two-thirds of breast cancers are discovered by women who notice new or unusual changes and have them checked by their doctor.
The sooner it is discovered, the more likely the treatment is successful.
There are around 11,500 breast cancer deaths in the UK each year, which equates to 32 per day.
That’s why you should learn how to check your breasts, and here’s how…
Experts at breast cancer now said you don’t need any special training to check yourself.
Touch: touch your breasts, do you feel anything new or unusual? Any lumps or lumps or swellings that weren’t there last time. Are there any wrinkles or dimples?
To look: do they look different? Are there any spots or changes in your nipple, shape, size or color? Is the breast red or inflamed? Are the nipples scabs or is there a rash? Is there liquid?
To check: if you think something isn’t right, see your doctor.
When in doubt, always consult your doctor. In an emergency, always call 999.