A significant proportion of women diagnosed with breast cancer delayed seeking medical help when they first found a lump in their breast because of the perception the disease was something that only affected older women, according to a new study.
The study carried out by the Athlone Institute of Technology for the Irish Cancer Society, found that while 58 per cent of women went immediately to see a health professional, 16 per cent waited for one to two weeks, 6 per cent waited a month, 4 per cent for two months, 4 per cent for three months, 2 per cent for 6-12 months and 4 per cent for 12-18 months.
Researcher Dr Noreen Cushen said it was important for women to seek medical advice immediately as stage of diagnosis is a crucial factor in the survival of women from breast cancer.
She said the majority of women in the study said they were not worried when they discovered a lump or breast change because of the perception that you had to be over 50 years of age to develop it or have a family history of the disease. She stressed however that breast cancer is something that affects women of all ages, though the risk increases with age. Therefore women of all ages need to be breast aware.
Some other women in the study said they delayed seeking help for personal reasons. One wanted to get her divorce out of the way first. And some others said they didn't think the changes spotted were serious. But the Irish Cancer Society says all new breast changes should be investigated.
The qualitative study involved in depth interviews with 52 breast cancer survivors attending four hospitals, one in each province, between 2003 and 2009.
It was published today to mark the launch of 2009 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It will comprise a month long campaign to encourage women to be breast aware, including advertisements in both broadcast and print media.
Pink Ribbon Day will take place on September 25th where pins, phone charms and keyrings will be put on sale to raise money.