Local charity Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has reported seeing a rise in young women 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 woman 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.

Julie Stokes, a founder of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, said: ’So many times we hear the words "I thought I was too young to get breast cancer".

increase

’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.

’With around 55,000 women and men under 40 expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK alone, we want to spread awareness of the signs and symptoms to look out for and remind people how easy it is to make breast checks part of your daily routine.

awareness

’We’ve produced breast awareness leaflets to help local people to increase their personal awareness, and these are available in doctors surgeries and at Noble’s Hospital, in addition to informative leaflets which are given to all people who are invited for breast screening so they know what to expect.

’We also regularly visit local companies and schools with consultants from Noble’s Hospital to spread this important message.’

Manx Breast Cancer Support Group works year-round to improve breast care service in the Isle of Man. Having raised more than £2.7 million to build and equip a breast unit at Noble’s Hospital in early 2016, it has now launched a joint fundraising appeal to raise £1.5 million for two new CT scanners, which, once achieved, will improve early diagnosis for all cancers in the Isle of Man.

The cancer’s Isle of Man Pink October raised more than £90,000 towards the Spectral CTScanner Appeal.

Local homebuilder Dandara is helping Manx Breast Cancer Support Group with this latest campaign, by sponsoring some of the charity’s fundraising events .

Dandara Marketing Director Jo Orton added: ‘The work that Manx Breast Cancer Support Group is doing is so important, and with such a passionate, pro-active group of individuals involved, it’s no wonder they’ve achieved so much in such a short time.’