STEVENSON HIGHLIGHTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has highlighted the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month taking place in October.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month has the aim of increasing awareness of the disease among both the public and health professionals, raise funds for research into the cause, prevention and cure of the disease, and offer vital information and support to those affected by it.

“Breast cancer is a malignant tumour in the breast, whereby the cancer attacks the tissue in which it started and can spread to other parts of the body. The good news is that nine times out of ten, lumps in the breast aren't cancerous. In fact, many women have naturally 'lumpy' breasts, caused by other harmless conditions such as cysts. However, it's always best to check any lumps or changes in your breasts with your doctor - sooner rather than later.

“It is vital to stress the importance of self-examination, especially when you view the statistic that breast cancer is the second biggest cause of death from cancer in women in the UK and that early detection of breast cancer can in some cases increase survival rates to 90 per cent. Age is possibly the biggest single risk factor in breast cancer: women over 50 are particularly at risk. It's by no means unheard of for women under this age to have breast cancer, but it is less likely. Finally, we must’ve forget the fact that men also can develop breast cancer.

“For those wishing to find out more, Breast Cancer Care is a national charity that offers information and support to people affected by breast cancer. It can provide services to women and men with the disease, their families, friends, partners, and members of the public and healthcare professionals.

“The charity operates a free national helpline on 0808 800 6000 and publishes various factsheets and leaflets. For more information about the charity, call 020 7384 2984 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk.”