65% of people have never checked for signs of breast cancer
(Picture: National Cancer Institute / Unsplash)An annual ‘Boob Census’ has revealed that almost a third of young men do not think they can develop breast cancer.
Avon’s first annual census of more than 2,000 UK women and men found that nearly 30 per cent of younger men thought themselves immune to this form of cancer.
Furthermore, an astonishing 65 per cent of people in the UK have never checked themselves for signs of the disease.
NHS Doctor Frankie Jackson-Spence said: “Approximately 400 men a year in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer, so it’s concerning to see from Avon’s research that there is a lack of understanding of this, particularly amongst younger men.
“While the disease is more commonly found in women, it is still important that men are aware of the signs and symptoms, making sure they are checking their bodies for any signs of change.”
Self-checking is a conundrum for women, too, as 66 per cent of women have not felt for irregular breast tissue in the past month – a fifth of whom said they did not know what to look for.
The younger pocket of 16- to 24-year-olds curiously said that embarrassment at not knowing how to check for signs of breast cancer is a barrier to even asking, as they think it is something they should already know.
One in seven women are diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, according to Cancer Research UK, and open conversation around the topic can help early detection and treatments for those diagnosed.
As part of the 30th anniversary of beauty brand Avon’s Breast Cancer Promise their #NormalForMe movement highlights the importance of regular checking to notice what is and is not “normal” for individuals.
Women shared personal descriptors for their own breasts, including “soft”, “wobbly”, “perky” and “fabulous”, to normalise the variety of body types.
Avon’s CEO Angela Cretu said: “Despite the progress that has been made, our latest research suggests there is still more work to do when it comes to opening up the conversation about breast health and not enough people are checking their chest regularly.
“To help raise awareness and normalise conversations about breast health, this Breast Cancer Awareness Month we invite our community to share their three words on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, to remind people how important it is to check your body regularly and get to know what’s normal for you.”
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October the brand, which has previously raised £28 million for their charity partners, will be fundraising with CoppaFeel! to encourage regular chest checking and Look Good Feel Better, which conducts wellbeing and beauty workshops for people undergoing cancer treatment.
