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Breast size dissatisfaction 'affects self-examination' | Breast size dissatisfaction 'affects self-examination' |
(about 11 hours later) | |
Women unhappy with their breast size are less likely to carry out regular self-examinations, a study suggests. | Women unhappy with their breast size are less likely to carry out regular self-examinations, a study suggests. |
The study, published in the journal Body Image, examined 384 British women. | The study, published in the journal Body Image, examined 384 British women. |
The research found these women were also less confident about their ability to detect a change in their breasts and slower to see a doctor if they did detect a change. | The research found these women were also less confident about their ability to detect a change in their breasts and slower to see a doctor if they did detect a change. |
Inspecting their breasts "may trigger negative emotions, such as shame and embarrassment", the researchers said. | Inspecting their breasts "may trigger negative emotions, such as shame and embarrassment", the researchers said. |
Most of the women surveyed had some degree of dissatisfaction with their breast size: | Most of the women surveyed had some degree of dissatisfaction with their breast size: |
Most common cancer | Most common cancer |
A third admitted they rarely or never engaged in breast self-examination. | A third admitted they rarely or never engaged in breast self-examination. |
The NHS advises women to make sure they know how their breasts usually look and feel at different times of the month, so they are aware of any changes. | |
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with more than 55,000 women diagnosed every year. | Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with more than 55,000 women diagnosed every year. |
Of the women surveyed, 55% said they would see their doctor as soon as possible if they detected a change in their breasts. | Of the women surveyed, 55% said they would see their doctor as soon as possible if they detected a change in their breasts. |
However, one in 10 admitted they would delay for as long as possible or not see their doctor at all. | However, one in 10 admitted they would delay for as long as possible or not see their doctor at all. |
Breast cancers detected early are usually easier to treat and more likely to be cured. | Breast cancers detected early are usually easier to treat and more likely to be cured. |
Prof Viren Swami, of Anglia Ruskin University, who conducted the research, said: "For women who are dissatisfied with their breast size, having to inspect their breasts may be experienced as a threat to their body image and so they may engage in avoidance behaviours. | Prof Viren Swami, of Anglia Ruskin University, who conducted the research, said: "For women who are dissatisfied with their breast size, having to inspect their breasts may be experienced as a threat to their body image and so they may engage in avoidance behaviours. |
"Promoting greater breast awareness may be a useful means of helping women view their breasts in more functional terms, rather than purely aesthetic terms." | "Promoting greater breast awareness may be a useful means of helping women view their breasts in more functional terms, rather than purely aesthetic terms." |
Dany Bell, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Feeling unhappy with your body mustn't prevent people from making these vital checks. | Dany Bell, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Feeling unhappy with your body mustn't prevent people from making these vital checks. |
"A breast lump is the most common symptom of breast cancer, so checking regularly could mean catching it earlier." | "A breast lump is the most common symptom of breast cancer, so checking regularly could mean catching it earlier." |
He said it was important that both men and women performed these self-examinations. | He said it was important that both men and women performed these self-examinations. |
Sophia Lowes, from Cancer Research UK, said the study "didn't consider other factors such as social background that might affect whether they get breast changes checked out". | Sophia Lowes, from Cancer Research UK, said the study "didn't consider other factors such as social background that might affect whether they get breast changes checked out". |
She said it was important women were aware of what their breasts normally looked and felt like, so they were more likely to notice any changes. | She said it was important women were aware of what their breasts normally looked and felt like, so they were more likely to notice any changes. |
"If you do spot something unusual, tell your doctor," she said. | "If you do spot something unusual, tell your doctor," she said. |
"In most cases, it won't be cancer - but if it is, finding it early can make a real difference." | "In most cases, it won't be cancer - but if it is, finding it early can make a real difference." |
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