Breast Cancer Ireland has today released worrying findings into the self-checking behaviours and overall awareness of the sings and symptoms of breast cancer.
A new survey has been published to coincide with World Cancer Day tomorrow (Friday).
The research found that 34% of Irish women (over 18) surveyed check their breasts every month as advised.
A higher number – 44% – check their breasts only when they remember to do so, and less regularly than once a month.
The most startling finding, however is that 30% of the women who took part in the survey did not know what to look out for when self-checking.
The study stated that this group are “unsure as to what to look for” with regards to the 8 signs and symptoms of the disease.
The survey also found that age groups had a significant difference in the awareness of breast checking with just 23% of women in the 18-29 age group checking themselves regularly.
This figure rose to 34% in the 50-69 age group.
Worldwide, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 29 seconds.
