Jayne Moore Media and North West Cancer Research are urging young women not to ‘ignore the signs’ as new figures show the region’s breast cancer incidence rate to be four per cent above the national average.
The charity’s ‘Don’t Ignore the Signs’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of breast cancer and to urge Gen Z and Millennial women to check their breasts regularly for changes such as size, shape, swelling or discharge.
The North West’s incidence rate is currently approximately 903.1 cases and 17.64 deaths per 100,000 people – significantly higher than elsewhere in the country. Nationally, one in seven UK females will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
The ‘Don’t Ignore the Signs’ campaign will span the length and breadth of the North West both online and on social media, as well as featuring in bus shelters and venues across the region. By using bra illustrations with a simple neon effect, the campaign is designed as a way to educate Gen Z and Millennial women on the symptoms, screenings, and treatment of breast cancer. The hope is to open up the topic to a new audience that is prepared to share, advocate, and normalise the conversation around breast cancer.
Among those supporting are influential names such as Stephi LaReine, Leanne Campbell Power, Thrifty Clair, Joanne Lawler and Danielle McDermott.
Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “North West Cancer Research has been working to not only raise awareness of the symptoms of breast cancer, but also to empower young people to speak openly about the disease. This level of awareness is vital, as we cannot effectively tackle breast cancer without normalising the conversation around what is one of the most treatable forms of cancer in the UK.
“Our hope is that by launching the ‘Don’t Ignore the Signs’ campaign, we can engage young people in such a way that they never ignore the signs of breast cancer ever again.”
Jayne Moore, CEO of Moore Media, added: “I had my own breast cancer diagnosis in October 2022, so this is a campaign close to my heart and my boobs!
“Mine was picked up in a routine mammogram, so my advice would be to please show up for yourself and get checked out, if you have symptoms or signs don’t wait. I am one of the lucky ones as it was so minute I simply had a needle biopsy that didn’t hurt and I don’t need any chemo – it could have been a very different story had I not gone to that appointment.”
North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first by funding life-saving research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care, and find the cure for cancer. The ‘Don’t Ignore the Signs’ is live across the North West now.
