One in six Scottish women cannot name breast cancer symptoms

A poll of 542 Scottish women showed only 7% thought a change in the shape or size of their breast could be a sign of breast cancer.

Almost a quarter of the respondents could not name a breast lump as a sign of breast cancer, according to the survey conducted by charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The charity says the survey reveals ‘an alarming lack of awareness of breast cancer signs and symptoms’ among Scottish women.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Scotland, with 4,000 diagnosed with the disease every year.

Early identification of signs of the disease improves the chances of successful treatment. Only 33% of the women polled regularly check their breasts.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is calling on women to check for signs on a regular basis.

The charity is also encouraging women over 50 to take advantage of breast screening which can detect the disease at the earliest possible stage, before it can be seen or felt by hand.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer director for Scotland, Audrey Birt, said: ‘While more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before, getting an early diagnosis is central to achieving the best possible outcome.’

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