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A local charity has reported a rise in breast cancer in young women on the Island.

 

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group said younger women are being diagnosed with the disease, which is usually associated with older women. 

 

With around 100 people diagnosed with breast cancer in the Isle of Man each year, the charity is campaigning for the Island’s young women to become more breast aware, following an increase in diagnoses in this age group.  

 

The charity is urging all women to check their breasts regularly, no matter what age, and if they find a lump or anything that doesn’t feel quite right, to go directly to their GP and request an urgent referral to the Manx Breast Unit. 

 

The announcement comes at the end of an intense month of activity, Isle of Man Pink October, which raised in excess of £90,000 towards the Spectral CTScanner Appeal.

 

Julie Stokes, a founder of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, explained: ‘So many times we hear the words “I thought I was too young to get breast cancer”. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that we’re seeing an increase in the number of women aged under 30 contacting us every year.

 

'Breast cancer can affect anyone - young or old, male or female. The good news is more women are beating it, with the survival rate doubling over the past 40 years due to an improvement in treatment and care. However, early diagnosis is vital for the best chance of successful treatment, so it’s essential that all women, young and old, regularly check their breasts and act quickly if something isn’t right.'

 

Around 55,000 women and men under 40 are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK alone.

 

MBCSG has produced leaflets to help increase awareness and are available in doctors surgeries and at Nobles Hospital.

 

The charity regularly visits local companies and schools with consultants from Nobles Hospital to spread the word.

 

Local homebuilder Dandara is helping Manx Breast Cancer Support Group with this latest campaign, by sponsoring the charity’s fundraising event ‘Booby Bear’s Fun Run/Walk’ which took place at Mooragh Park, Ramsey on Saturday 26th October. 

 

The funds raised will stay in the Isle of Man and used towards the charity’s CT scanner appeal, an Island campaign launched in April 2019 in conjunction with Mannin Cancers, to raise £1.5 million to buy two new state-of-the-art CT scanners for Noble’s Hospital.

 

 

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