40% of young women never performed a breast check

TWO out of every five young women have never performed a breast check, despite Ireland having the world’s seventh highest breast cancer rate.

A new survey by Breast Cancer Ireland and insurer Aviva Health to mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout October, has found that a significant number of women aged 18-24 are still ignoring ways to protect their health.

According to the study, based on 505 random phone interviews for this specific age group which were conducted by Red C between September 5-7, 39% of women have never checked for lumps.

While 85% of respondents said they believed they should check for abnormalities at least once a month, in reality just 47% did so.

This is despite the fact the 2,500 breast cancer diagnoses in Ireland every year account for a third of all female cancers in this country, and that Breast Cancer Ireland files show 82% of all breast cancers are found by women who check for lumps before they attend a GP or clinic.

The research was revealed as part of a publicity campaign for the Be Breast Aware: Have A Feel Day campaign on Thursday, October 20, which has been organised by Aviva Health and Breast Cancer Ireland to encourage young women to conduct a self-exam.

To remind women Aviva Health’s medical smart- phone app, Health Mate, will also go pink and offer a “handy but discreet monthly breast check reminder” on users’ phones.

Changes to look out for which may need to be checked by a doctor are:

*A lump or thickening which is different to the surrounding breast tissue.

*Continuous pain in one part of the breast or armpit.

*Skin changes, including dimpling.

*Swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone.

*A rash on or around the nipple.

*One breast becoming larger or lower.

Meanwhile, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has again encouraged women to improve their lifestyle habits to significantly reduce the likelihood of developing the potentially lethal condition.

Speaking in conjunction with VHI Healthcare, the leading advocacy group said simple changes in a person’s dietary or exercise habits have been shown to lessen the risk of breast cancer by up to 42%.

Among the key alterations advised are lowering alcohol intake and a better diet.

The organisation has also explained that in relatively high-income countries like Ireland, approximately two out of every five breast cancer cases can be linked to alcohol, body fatness and physical inactivity.

However, genetics is also a significant factor in the prevalence of the condition.

*or further information call the National Cancer Help-line on free-phone [phone], or visit to www.cancer.ie.

*all 1800-940-025 or visit www.breastcancerireland.com