WOMEN in the Isle of Man are being urged to be breast aware all year round following the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
A number of events were held during October to raise awareness of breast cancer and the Department of Health is keen to keep this momentum going to ensure early detection of the disease.
Sadly one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some stage in their life and the disease is most common in women over the age of 50.
The department has reminded women of the importance of attending breast screening appointments and is asking ladies to self check their breasts on a regular basis.
The Isle of Man operates a call and recall breast screening service which screens all women aged between 50 and 70 for breast cancer once every two years.
The screening process – called a mammogram – uses state of the art digital x-ray imaging to check the breast for any abnormalities. The screening can show breast cancers at an early stage and involves a tiny dose of radiation.
It is estimated that this screening process saves 1,400 lives across the UK each year.
Hilary Miller, superintendent radiographer for the Isle of Man Breast Screening Programme, said: "Some women may be put off by the idea of breast screening but it's a very safe procedure that for some could mean the difference between life and death.
"Whilst we used to operate a self-referral screening programme, since February 2008 women between 50 and 70 are now automatically called once every two years.
"Women over 70 are encouraged to self refer for screening simply by telephoning the appointments office on 01624 685339.
"This approach has seen a spike in breast cancer cases on the Island which was expected and goes to show how successful and important screening is in the early detection of breast cancer."
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "The Island continues to advance in both the screening of breast cancer and in its treatment.
"We will soon have a new, eminent and highly experienced breast surgeon coming to our shores to work at Noble's Hospital - but the message here is about doing everything we can to try and help women avoid breast surgery.
"Early detection is key and this feeds into the department's new health strategy which will see an increasing focus on screening, early detection and the prevention of disease.”
Jan Brooks, the president of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man, has said Island residents are fortunate to have such a good screening process.
She explained: "In terms of screening on-Island we're incredibly fortunate to have a digital imaging system and women are called every two years as opposed to every three years as in the UK.
"Breakthrough Breast Cancer is campaigning for the introduction of digital x-ray systems in all UK hospitals so the Isle of Man is ahead of the game in offering this gold standard of service."
Jan, who is a trustee of Breakthrough Breast Cancer UK, also emphasised the need for women to check their own breasts on a regular basis.
She continued: "As with any cancer the earlier it's detected the greater the likelihood of successful treatment.
"The signs of breast cancer can become apparent at any time - in those under 50 who aren't routinely screened or in the two years between the scans of those who are.
"That's why it's vitally important that women know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and self check regularly.
"The message from Breakthrough Breast Cancer is to touch, look and check regularly – so that women can be aware of any changes."
Women have been advised to look out for symptoms including lumps in the breast or armpit, pain and discharge from the nipple. Anyone who notices a difference in their breasts is asked to contact their doctor immediately.
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