Early detection of breast cancer 'key' to survival

Early detection is "key" when it comes to diagnosing and treating breast cancer, an Isle of Man charity has said, with the likelihood of complications increasing "the longer you leave it".

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, an international health campaign held each year which promotes screening and seeks better outcomes for those diagnosed with the disease.

According to Public Health Isle of Man, between 2011 and 2021, 813 women and eight men were diagnosed with breast cancer on the island.

Sandy Denning, from the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, said: "I urge everyone to be body aware, to be breast aware, and get your early diagnosis."

She said the symptoms of breast cancer, which are broadly the same in women and men, include:

Further information can be found on the NHS website, which has separate guidance for women, external and men, external.

Ms Denning urged people to check themselves once a month.

Women are advised not to do so during their period since their breasts can change naturally during those times.

Stressing the importance of breast cancer's early detection, she said: "The longer you leave it, complications can set in and you are on a long-term treatment plan."

As a breast cancer survivor, she said it was important to show there was "life after a diagnosis", adding that treatments had "improved so much, so there are lots of opportunities to get better from it".

Public health consultant Ross Keet said that between 2011 and 2021, breast cancer made up 15% of total invasive cancers on the Isle of Man - similar to England. For women that proportion was 31%.

He said it was important for women to attend screenings every two years.

It is very important for men to understand the symptoms too, he said, since they are not eligible for regular screenings.

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