PHA Launches Breast Awareness Campaign

A breast awareness campaign which aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer has been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: "Most people may know to look out for a lump, but there are other changes that could point towards breast cancer, so it is vital that everyone is aware of them, as it could save your life.

"If breast cancer is diagnosed at the earliest stage of its development, it is estimated that after five years 99 out of 100 women diagnosed will still be alive, so early detection is very important.

"With advances in treatment and care over recent years, there is a lot that can be done to tackle breast cancer when it appears, but early detection is extremely important.

"With this campaign, which is the latest phase of the Be Cancer Aware campaign, we want to make women aware of a range of signs and symptoms, any of which could suggest breast cancer, and to encourage them to speak to a GP without delay if they notice anything. While breast cancer is much more common in women, it can also affect men, so anyone noticing changes in their breast should seek the advice of their GP."

A survey commissioned by the PHA earlier this year asked women if they could recall any warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Two out of three women identified 'a lump or thickening in your breast' as a possible sign of cancer and almost half recognised that 'a lump or thickening under your armpit' may also be a sign. However, other potential signs were less familiar to women, including skin changes, such as dimpling and puckering, and changes to the nipple, such as discharge, bleeding or becoming turned in.

(CD/LM)