Women 'need to be breast aware'

Rarely a day goes by without a fundraising event for breast cancer taking place somewhere in the country and women often participate in fun runs and similar activities in their thousands in honour of friends and family.

However, these ladies may not be aware that they themselves may be suffering from the condition, according to one sector expert.

Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy at the Breast Cancer Campaign, said that the key to identifying the disease is for women to first ensure they are familiar with the look and feel of their breasts.

Familiarising themselves with their appearance may then lead to rapid identification of any lumps or other warning signs of the disease, she stated.

The expert advised that breast cancer insurance customers should also make sure their family and friends know these vital procedures, in order to reduce their risk of suffering from the condition.

"Understand how your breasts may change at different times during the month, when you are having your period and as you get older," she recommended.

Ms Wilkie also pointed to recent research reported in the Daily Express which suggested that healthcare experts may have found a 'cure for cancer'.

According to the publication, the findings show that a new form of treatment may be able to target the molecules which help cancer to spread through the body.

Developing a drug to stop the spread is now possible, the scientists say, which could potentially prevent 90 per cent of deaths from the condition.

Ms Wilkie said the research is "very interesting" and may offer hope to sufferers, but pointed out that it is currently in its early stages.

"It could be many years before people with breast cancer will see the benefits. We are certainly a long way away from a new treatment for oestrogen positive breast cancer," she commented.

By Louise Jones

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