Self-Checking and Awareness Still the Key to Ensuring the Early Detection of Breast Cancer
In accordance with the international month of breast cancer, Cancer Fund’s Pink Revolution officially starts today, reminding women on the importance of early detection and raising funds to support their free breast cancer services.
With more than 2,700 new cases diagnosed in Hong Kong each year, breast cancer has become the most common form of cancer affecting women. In an effort to boost rates of early detection and encourage women to be more breast aware, Cancer Fund unveiled a new campaign today with the message:
“Unhook your bra and check regularly.
Every woman is at risk of breast cancer.
Remind your friends and family.
Early detection saves lives.”
This message was built upon study findings undertaken by Hong Kong University’s Centre for Psycho-Oncology, which interviewed over 400 Chinese women who presented themselves to a clinic after discovering breast symptoms. Of those interviewed more than half discovered breast symptoms while showering, 40% of whom reported a solitary lump. The study was funded by the Cancer Fund.
The study also looked to assess how long women wait in consulting a doctor after discovering symptoms on their own. The report also revealed that women who discussed their fears/symptoms with others had shorter delays in accessing formal assessment than those who didn’t, suggesting the importance of educating women on checking themselves in the shower and talking to friends and family about health matters. (Details of the research findings: attachment 1, attachment 2)
Separately, results of Cancer Fund’s 1,000 Free Mammograme Giveaway which commenced in 2009 were presented today by Dr. William Foo, Director of the Radiotherapy & Oncology Centre at Hong Kong Baptist Hospital. Among those women with a family history of breast cancer who were eligible to take up the offer, a total of three confirmed breast cancer cases were discovered, further illustrating the importance of proactive awareness and screening.
Throughout the month of October, the message to “unhook your bra and check regularly” will be spread widely via Pink Revolution’s multi-media campaign on TV and radio, as well as online, throughout MTR stations and on buses – along with the help of celebrity supporters including: Josie Ho, Lisa S, Edmond Leung, Karen Lam, Sherry Tsai, Johanna Ho, Simon Birch, Phat Chan and more.
As a proud Pink Revolution supporter and spokesperson for the Cancer Fund, International model and TV presenter Lisa S reminds women, “Ladies, keep checking yourself, there really is no shame in doing so.”
Sally Lo, Cancer Fund’s Founder and Chief Executive said: “Catching breast cancer early really is as simple as checking yourself regularly and being breast aware. It’s important for women to take ownership of their health and consult a doctor upon discovering changes in their breast or symptoms such as a lump. This really is the first step in helping to ensure early detection and save lives. So please help us minimize the impact of breast cancer by reminding yourself and others to check regularly.”
In conjunction with Cancer Fund’s month-long awareness campaign, the Pink Revolution also invites the public to make a donation and help raise funds towards their free on-going breast cancer support services and local research.
With a fundraising target of HK$1.8million, the Hong Kong community is invited to make donations, dress pink as well as “shop pink” throughout the month of October. Money raised will serve to provide comfort and support to those women touched by breast cancer, and further improve breast cancer care in our community.
Special thanks extend to Major Sponsor, The Body Shop; Pink Diamond Sponsor Zojirushi; and Diamond Sponsors: PizzaExpress, Polo Ralph Lauren and Shanghai Tang.
