"The earlier we start a positive habit, the more likely we are to continue it into later life."
- Dr Subashini M, Medical Doctor at Aviva UK Health
Of those surveyed (2,002), 82% said they know what to look for when checking their breasts, rising to 88% of women aged between 50-71 years old. Just 18% said they don’t know what to look for when checking their breasts, increasing to 27% amongst those aged 25-34 years old and over a third (34%) of 18-24-year-olds.
Notably, when prompted with a list, roughly three-quarters of women recognized common signs of breast cancer such as a lump or swelling in the armpit (75%), or a lump/thickening of the breast tissue (76%). Unfortunately, awareness of less talked-about symptoms was lower with 52% agreeing that pain or pulling in the nipple area could be a sign of breast cancer, followed by skin problems such as a rash around the nipple (43%), and red/flaky skin on the breast (42%).
Alongside this research, Aviva has revealed that breast cancer is still a leading cause of claim amongst women across its Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and individual Critical Illness (CI) policies.
“Much progress has been made when it comes to awareness of potential symptoms of breast cancer and the measures you can take to help aid early detection of any changes. However, it’s still a leading cause of Health Insurance & protection insurance claims for women,” stressed Dr Subashini M, Medical Doctor at Aviva UK Health.
She said: “As with many cancers, early detection can help improve the chances of successful treatment. Our breasts change at various times of the month, so it’s recommended that people check their breasts around once a month, just after their period. If they’re in menopause, then anytime is fine. It’s also important that women over 50 attend their regular mammogram offered as part of the NHS screening programme.
“It’s reassuring that the majority of women recognise the benefits of early detection and the potentially worrying signs to look out for when checking their breasts. However, there are still those who aren’t as well informed, particularly in the younger age groups. This is where activity such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) could help engage employees of all ages,” Subashini added.
Comparing these findings to previous research commissioned by Aviva looking into prostate cancer, there’s a noticeable difference in the number of individuals knowing what to look for when checking their breasts (82%) versus testicles (57%).
READ MORE: Aviva reveals 28% of men never check their testicles despite cancer risk
Of those surveyed (2,002), over a quarter (28%) of men never check their testicles despite the heightened risk of testicular cancer among men aged 15-49 years old. While 28% said they check their testicles monthly, 12% said they didn’t think it was possible to detect warning signs of testicular cancer. This misconception rose to 20% for those aged 34-44 years old.
Although 57% of men knew what to look out for when checking their testicles, 37% didn’t know the symptoms of testicular cancer. Worryingly, 38% of those who weren’t aware of these crucial symptoms were 25-34 years old – according to Cancer Research UK, the peak rate of testicular cancer occurs between 30-34 years old.
When prompted, the majority of men (57%) recognised painless swelling or lumps in one of their testicles as a warning sign of testicular cancer, followed by changes in shape or texture (47%), dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles and/or scrotum that may come and go (42%), and a difference in appearance between one testicle and another (40%). Only 36% of men identified an increase in the firmness of a testicle as a potential warning sign while 33% said a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum could indicate testicular cancer.
Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director at Aviva UK Health, said that although testicular cancer is relatively rare, there is a “worrying lack of awareness among younger men who are more likely to experience this condition.” He felt it was particularly worrying that over a quarter of men don’t ever check their testicles.
