A “worrying” number of women are not checking for signs of breast cancer despite it being a leading cause of female protection claims, research from Aviva has revealed.
Ahead of breast cancer awareness month, which runs through October, Aviva found that 18 per cent of women across all age groups said they never check their breasts for signs of cancer.
This is despite 82 per cent of respondents reporting they know what to look for when checking their breasts.
In 2023 breast cancer accounted for over half (55 per cent) of Aviva’s individual critical illness cancer claims for women and 61 per cent of cancer claims made by women on Aviva’s private healthcare.
Aviva UK Health medical director, Dr Subashini M, said: “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 and protection insurance claims for women.
“As with many cancers, early detection can help to improve the chances of successful treatment.”
However, Aviva additionally discovered ignorance around signs of cancer, with just under 18 per cent of women saying they do not know what to look for when checking their breasts.
This lack of awareness rises significantly in the younger age groups with 27 per cent of women aged 25-34 and 34 per cent of 18-24 year old women saying they did not know what to look for when checking for signs of cancer.
Aviva underlined the importance of checking, pointing out that spotting signs of breast cancer early can help increase the chance of successful treatment.
Additionally, Dr Subashini stated: “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 activities such as workplace wellbeing programmes could really help engage employees of all ages.
“While the chance of getting breast cancer increases with age, it’s never too early to start looking out for changes in our breasts such as lumps in the breast or armpit, thickening of breast tissue and changes to the skin, nipple or shape of the breast.
“The earlier we start a positive habit, the more likely we are to continue it into later life.”
tom.dunstan@ft.com
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