Make clean breast of it

CANCER: EARLY DETECTION IS VITAL SO CHECK YOURSELF REGULARLY

Nine out of 10 women diagnosed are alive 10 years later.

With one in 27 women affected by breast cancer in their lifetime, regular breast checks are vital, a renowned breast specialist surgeon and breast disease specialist, Prof Carol-Ann Benn, says ahead of Women's Month.

"Early detection means timely intervention. Caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable and that is where public awareness is really needed," says Benn.

"Mammograms and self-examination are so important because an early diagnosis, coupled with the great strides made in the treatment of breast cancer, means that cancer can be beaten.

"We need to talk about breast cancer far more than we do. Moms, speak to your daughters and your sons. Friends and sisters talk to each other about it. Check that those close to you are up to date with their screening and support each other by sharing trusted sources of knowledge on the topic," she urges.