Breast cancer remains a leading cause of female claim on Aviva’s health and protection policies ...

...but nearly one in five women never check their breasts.

As we approach breast cancer awareness month, Aviva’s research¹ reveals that the majority of women know what to look for but a worrying number are not checking for signs of cancer. 

Figures show that over recent years around 56,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer  in the UK every year². It’s therefore not surprising that breast cancer is still a leading cause of claim in women across Aviva’s private medical insurance and individual critical illness policies.

Spotting the signs of breast cancer early can help increase the chance of successful treatment. Reassuringly, the research showed that on average women check their breasts around ten times a year. This figure increases with age, with women aged 50-71 years checking themselves just over 11 times a year. This is positive to see as most breast cancer cases tend to occur over the age of 50, although younger people can be affected.³

The positive trend continues when it comes to awareness of potential symptoms of breast cancer. Most women (82%) said they knew what to look for when checking their breasts. Awareness also increases with age, with almost nine in ten (88%) woman aged 50-71 years saying that they know what to look for.

However, the research revealed that not all women are vigilant. Just under one in five (18%) of women across all age groups said they never check their breasts.

Just under one in five (18%) women said that they don’t know what to look for when checking their breasts. This lack of awareness rises significantly in the younger age groups.  Just over a quarter (27%) of women aged 25-34 years and over a third (34%) of 18-24 year old women said they didn’t know what to look for when checking their breasts for potential signs of cancer.

When prompted with a list, around three quarters of women recognised common signs of breast cancer such as a lump or swelling in the armpit (75%)  or a lump or thickening of the breast tissue (76%).

However, awareness of less talked-about symptoms was lower among all female age groups.  Around half (52%) agreed that pain or pulling in the nipple area or skin problems such as a rash around the nipple (43%) and/or red and flaky skin on the breast (42%) could be signs of breast cancer.

Dr Subashini M, Medical Director, Aviva UK Health 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. 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 activity 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.”

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References

^{1. The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2002 18+ nat rep general consumers in the UK between 21/08/24 - 23/08/24. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.}

^{2. Facts and figures | Breast Cancer UK}

^{3. Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Stages, Diagnosis, Treatment | Patient Info}

Useful resources

^{Breast cancer in women - Symptoms - NHS}