Cancer adverts to show shocking images

Wednesday 5 September 2012

A GRAPHIC new health campaign will be the first to show images of women's breasts which have been affected by cancer.

SURVIVORS: Nicola Sturgeon, below, met Jennifer Gossman, left, and Alison Walker at the launch of the new campaign. Picture: Cate Gillon

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Katrine Bussey

Actress and comedian Elaine C Smith, whose mother died from breast cancer, is fronting the drive in TV advertisements to be shown after the 9pm watershed.

They are part of a £30 million Scottish Government bid to increase the number of cases of cancer detected early by 25%.

Smith will explain in the adverts, that will show breasts which have a number of symptoms of the disease, that lumps are not the only sign of cancer.The actress, who starred in Rab C Nesbitt and is playing singer Susan Boyle on stage, said: "For some the campaign might be shocking but as far as I'm concerned if this saves one life it is absolutely worth it."For too many years women have been confused and scared about what to look for. This campaign should help inform people about some of the signs related to breast cancer and get them to seek help. "I am proud it will help to educate and inform women and men because increased awareness will save lives."There are few in Scotland who remain untouched by cancer, either directly or in their circle of family and friends."I lost my own mum to breast cancer and I know if she had seen this campaign she would have known what she was looking for and perhaps visited the doctor and been checked much earlier."Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the adverts take a "bold approach which has not been used before".She said: "Women can often be confused about what to look for and it is important we get the message across that it's not just lumps that can be a sign of breast cancer."More lives can be saved in Scotland through earlier detection, as the cancer can be treated earlier when it is less aggressive and treatment is more likely to be successful."Ms Sturgeon met breast cancer survivors Jennifer Gossman and Alison Walker as she launched the campaign which also features radio, online and newspaper adverts.Grandmother-of-two Mrs Gossman, from West Kilbride in North Ayrshire, was diagnosed with cancer three years ago after she raised concerns.The 64-year-old said: "I'm so glad I acted on what I found as soon as possible."Audrey Birt, chairwoman of the Scottish Cancer Coalition and director of Breakthrough Breast Cancer in Scotland, backed the new adverts.She said: "Detecting breast cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment, so it's important to be breast-aware. "This means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the lookout for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor."In a separate development, fewer women could be screened for breast cancer amid concerns regular mammograms can result in treatment, including invasive surgery, that is not medically required.A UK-wide review of the screening programme is underway with reports up to 10 women undergo unnecessary treatment compared to every life saved.It is understood women diagnosed with the condition ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) could be given more choice over treatments, and given the option to turn down medical intervention, given the condition does not always lead to breast cancer.Separately, NHS Scotland is looking at ways to clarify information about DCIS in a leaflet that is sent to women due for a mammogram.

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Cancer adverts to show shocking images

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