Building on its commitment to fight breast cancer, Philips is launching a simple-to-follow app that encourages women to check their breasts regularly each month.
Reflecting this global picture, breast cancer is also the most-common form of cancer in the UK overall, with around 55,000 people, including some 400 men, being diagnosed each year.
However, earlier detection and better treatments mean that survival rates after a diagnosis of breast cancer are improving.
It is believed that around half a million people are alive in the UK who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, with more than eight out of 10 people surviving the disease beyond five years and more than three quarters of people surviving beyond 10 years.
The Breast Aware app designed for iPads and iPhones, produced with Breast Cancer Care and free to download, gives a step-by-step guide to breast awareness, showing what to look out for in order to become more aware of any differences that may occur.
Dr Emma Pennery, clinical director at Breast Cancer Care, said: “Whatever your age, size or shape, it’s important to take care of your breasts.
“Getting to know how your breasts look and feel, so you know what is normal for you, is an essential part of caring for your body. Around two thirds of breast cancers are found by the person themselves, so it’s important to notice any unusual changes and report them to your doctor without delay. ”
Alwena Hall, marketing manager at Philips Healthcare UK, added: “As a technology company that cares about people, we continue to invest in research and development of innovative solutions that can aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.”
