SIR,
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which marks the fact that breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 45,500 new cases every year and around 12,000 deaths.
There is still an alarming lack of awareness about the signs of breast cancer, particularly in older women, who are most at risk (80 per cent of cases are in post-menopausal women).
A survey carried out by Breast Cancer Campaign showed that only just over half of women check their breasts for changes once a month or more and over a quarter admit they check their breasts for changes only a few times a year or less. One in seven women never check their breasts at all.
Having experienced breast cancer myself, I urge women to become familiar with how their breasts look and feel and understand how they may change at different times during the month, for example, when you're having your period and as you get older. Remember the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance of survival.
On Friday 30th October, people all over the UK will wear pink to raise money so that Breast Cancer Campaign can fund vital research, taking us a step closer to beating breast cancer.
Join the many schools, colleges, businesses and individuals around the country by wearing something pink and donating £2. For further information and a fundraising pack go to http://www.wearitpink.co.uk">www.wearitpink.co.uk
Elaine Paige OBE,
(Breast Cancer Campaign Patron)