BUPA dispels long-standing breast cancer myth

8 October 2002

BUPA is starting Breast Cancer Awareness Month byreassuring women that there is no substance to a myth circulating on email thatclaims antiperspirant deodorant causes breast cancer.

Dr Annabel Bentley BUPA assistant medical directorexplains: "It is really important to separate helpful and accurate healthinformation from that which is untrue, unhelpful and alarming. Although manywomen diagnosed with breast cancer are found to have cancer cells in the lymphglands in the armpit, this is not as a result of using antiperspirants.

"What is really important is being breast aware. Thisis not just about looking for lumps, it is about understanding what is normalfor women's breasts throughout their monthly cycles. This includes looking forchanges in the appearance of the skin, overall shape of the breast, the nipple,the armpit and even above the collar bone." Says Dr Bentley.

BUPA offers women a range of quality assured breast careservices and advises women who do notice any changes in their breasts that itis best to get them checked by a doctor. They aren't necessarily due to cancerbut in the rare event that it is the cause, early detection and prompttreatment give the best results, and treatment is often simpler. Only one inten breast lumps is diagnosed as cancerous.

Many of BUPA's hospitals are recognised as specialistbreast cancer centres forming part of a wider network of quality assessed andapproved breast cancer units available for BUPA's insured customers. In thesespecialist units care is delivered by specialist breast care teams and patientshave access to triple testing - clinical opinion, imaging, biopsy - and breastcare counselling.

The specialist breast care team includes a specialistbreast surgeon, oncologist and specialist breast nurse. Quality guidelines usedin BUPA approved breast care units are consistent with those of the BritishAssociation of Surgical Oncology and the NHS Executive. All units are subjectto continual clinical audit.

A BUPA breast health assessment is also available at BUPAWellness medical centres. It provides women with an invaluable opportunity todetect breast problems early and achieve positive breast health. It includesmammography and instructions on how to improve breast health awareness.

More information about breast cancer awareness, as well asa wide range of health information, can be obtained by visiting www.bupa.com or calling 0800 00 10 10.