Many Women In U.K. Lack Knowledge Of Breast Cancer Symptoms, Survey Suggests

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 25 Sep 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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About 87% of women in the United Kingdom regularly check for lumps in the breast, but many lack knowledge about the full range of symptoms of breast cancer, according to a survey conducted by the organization Breakthrough Breast Cancer, BBC News reports. The organization surveyed 1,190 women older than age 50 in the United Kingdom.

According to the survey:

81% of the women wrongly believed a mole on the breast could be a symptom of breast cancer;

About one-quarter wrongly believed having a persistent cough was a symptom;

About one-third wrongly believed that an extra nipple was linked to breast cancer;

Only 10% of the respondents said they looked for inversion of the nipple;

14% looked for changes in the skin on the breasts;

16% checked for discharge from the nipple;

22% looked for changes in the appearance of the nipple;

23% looked for changes in the size or shape of the breast; and

A little more than half checked for lumps in the armpit.

Recommendations
Breakthrough Breast Cancer is calling on general practitioners in the country to help eliminate the confusion about breast cancer symptoms and increase detection rates, BBC News reports. The survey found that half of women age 70 and older were unaware that they could continue to receive no-cost breast screening by making their own appointments through their doctor or local breast screening facility. About 88% of women in the age group reported that since turning 70 their doctors or surgeons had not discussed this option with them.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said, "It's clear that despite breast cancer now being the most common cancer in the United Kingdom, women remain extremely confused about what they should be looking out for, with their focus still very much on feeling for breast lumps." He added that the group would like to see more practitioners making patients ages 70 and older "aware that they can, and should, make their own regular breast screening appointments." Hughes said that it is "important to remember that the earlier breast cancer is detected and treated the better the chances of survival" (BBC News, 9/20).

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