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17 April 2015 09:15
A charity has called for better breast cancer awareness
Every year thousands of UK women put off getting breast cancer symptoms checked, according to the latest figures.
Almost one in six (17%) delay visiting their family doctor for over a month after first discovering a sign of the condition, Breast Cancer Care's survey of women showed.
The charity called for more action to be taken to persuade women to visit their doctor sooner, following the publication of its poll.
Key stats
- Of those women who did wait to consult their GP, one in three of them attributed it to believing their symptoms were not sufficiently serious.
- One in 20 women delayed up to six months until they made an appointment. Such action could have put their lives in danger, it is feared.
- One in 10 had a breast rash or redness, or skin dimpling or puckering - which can suggest quick-growing breast cancer - instead of the usual symptoms.
Peace of mind
Being diagnosed with breast cancer or surviving the illness need not spell an end to people's holiday travels around the world.
Trusted cancer travel insurance can offer peace of mind, including medical expenses cover and emergency assistance access as well.
What can women do?
Breast Cancer Care has a three-point check list for women regarding breast cancer. Its advice includes:
- They should initially inspect their breasts to see what is normal for them.
- They should continue examining their breasts to check for possible tell-tale signs of breast cancer.
- If they notice anything different, they should visit their family doctor immediately.
Expert view
The charity's chief executive Samia al Qadhi said it knows just how frightening finding changes can be.
But early detection can result in easier and more successful treatments further down the line.
The official called the six-month delay statistics "extremely concerning".
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