‘Widespread confusion’ over cancer signs

Too many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, a leading charity is warning today.

Breast cancer affects over 40,000 women and 300 men each year but despite this prominence Breakthrough Breast Cancer (BBC) says there is widespread confusion about what warning signs people should be looking for.

Research conducted by the charity found that a quarter of women think a persistent cough is a sign of the disease, while 81 per cent said a mole on the breast is a sign and a third thought having a third nipple could indicate cancer.

None of these are directly related to breast cancer, although a persistent cough and changes to moles could indicate other cancers.

Signs people should be looking for include inversion of the nipple, skin changes on the breast, nipple discharge, lumps in the breast and armpit and changes in the size and shape of the breast.

BBC chief executive Jeremy Hughes said it is clear women remain “extremely confused” about what to look for.

“At the same time there appears to be misunderstanding among women aged 70 and over about whether they should continue breast screening,” he added.

“We would like to see more GP surgeries making patients in this age group aware that they can, and should, make their own regular breast screening appointments.”

The research comes as part of the charity’s campaign to raise breast cancer awareness, which has been supported by a number of celebrities.