50% claim doctors did not advise on cancer

MORE than half of the women who took part in a survey on breast cancer said their family doctor had never spoken to them about the disease or the importance of regular breast checks.

A similar number, 51%, said they had a friend or family member who had been diagnosed with the cancer.

The research, on behalf of the Marie Keating Foundation, also found that 30% of men had a close contact who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.