Study: One In Three Women Are Too Scared To Check Their Breasts For Cancer
A third of women are so afraid of bad news, that they entirely avoid checking their breasts for lumps and bumps, fearing they might be cancerous.
In addition, over half of women said that they fail to perform regular checks because they have not been taught to do it routinely.
Research leader Professor Janet Reibstein, from Exeter University, says women should check their breasts at least once a month.
Reibstein said girls should start routinely checking themselves at the age of 13.
The risk of breast cancer increases with age, as one in 2,000 women will develop it by age 29, while one in 22 will have it by age 60.
According to a survey conducted by Avon, 55 percent of the 2,000 women surveyed said they would be more likely to check routinely if it was a part of their grooming process.
“As the Avon report shows, fear and anxiety do not always encourage better habits, especially if you don’t see yourself at much risk,” said Professor Reibstein.
“Breast checking needs to start young. As a young woman, not only are you becoming conscious of your body, but it’s the point in your life when you set up many routines that will last a lifetime.”
Knowing is much better than not knowing, so make sure you do routine checks, as well as having mammograms conducted by doctors.
James Gilbert | Elite.
