Experts Urge Teaching Breast Cancer Self-Checks to Secondary School Students

Dr Madalina Chifu advocates teaching secondary pupils breast self-exams during showers to normalize the practice. Patient Jemma Sleeman shares her early detection story. The Royal Cornwall Hospital leads clinical trials, and the BBC promotes health awareness via the Wake Up Call campaign.

Encouraging Regular Breast Self-Examinations in Youth

Secondary school pupils should be instructed to check their breasts during every shower, according to Dr Madalina Chifu, an oncology research doctor at the Royal Cornwall Hospital.

Cancer charities report that approximately one in seven women in the UK will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, with around 400 men diagnosed annually.

"If you normalise it, then everybody will do it; like brushing their teeth or washing their face in the morning," said Dr Chifu.

She emphasized that both men and women should regularly examine their breast and chest areas, while noting that this practice should not become an obsession.

Cancer patient Jemma Sleeman is sitting in a medical consultation room chair. She has long long brown hair and is wearing a blue shirt over a white T-shirt, jeans and red trainers. She also has a red hair band. She sits opposite oncology research doctor Madalina Chifu, who has shorter dark hair tied back in a bun. Dr Chifu is also wearing a blouse, skirt and trainers, plus is holding a clipboard to make notes during the appointment. — Dr Madalina Chifu (right, here with patient Jemma Sleeman) says normalising checks will mean "everybody will do it"

Clinical Trials and Advancements at Royal Cornwall Hospital

Dr Chifu has significant experience in conducting clinical trials in Cornwall. She stated that the NHS trust is currently managing 77 trials, with 37 still open for recruitment.

She expressed pride in witnessing scientific research being applied in clinical settings, stating that the Royal Cornwall Hospital is providing patients with "tomorrow's treatments today."

Patient Experience: Jemma Sleeman's Breast Cancer Journey

Jemma Sleeman, 47, from Newquay, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. She credits her survival to prompt action and encourages anyone who discovers a lump to seek medical advice immediately.

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"Don't wait about. Don't be scared to go and get checked," Sleeman urged.

Sleeman shared that she performs breast checks while lying in bed and advises others to "get to know your normal, know your baseline."

She discovered a "pea-sized" lump in one breast just one month after beginning regular self-examinations. At diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes.

Her treatment included surgical removal of the lump, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Currently, Sleeman participates in a clinical trial at the Royal Cornwall Hospital involving a new blood test designed to detect early signs of cancer recurrence months or even years before scans can identify it.

The BBC's Wake Up Call Initiative

The BBC is promoting the Wake Up Call campaign, which encourages individuals to assess their health by consulting experts on various health issues and listening to personal stories from those who have faced challenges.