This World Cancer Day (4 February 2025), CoppaFeel!, the UK’s only breast cancer awareness charity for young people, has teamed up with NHS North East London Cancer Alliance (NELCA) to launch ‘Check In’, a campaign highlighting that breast cancer can and does happen to young people.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females aged 15 years and older, and one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection saves lives, with almost 100% of patients surviving their cancer for five years or more when diagnosed at the earliest stage.
For young people under the national breast screening age of 50, knowing the signs of breast cancer is key. Nationally, only 25% of 18 to 24 year olds check their chests monthly, and 47% of young people surveyed in the NELCA boroughs have never checked their chests.
Sophie Conway, head of community and engagement at CoppaFeel!, said: “‘Check In’ is a social and out-of-home campaign designed by and for young people, as many of them don’t feel that breast cancer is relevant, especially those from marginalised communities.”
NHS data reveals that black and South Asian women are more likely to be diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 breast cancer due to significant health inequities in the UK, and CoppaFeel! and NELCA’s collaborative campaign explores these barriers, from healthcare inequities to cultural taboos and stigmas.
By highlighting deeply personal and nuanced experiences, the campaign aims to challenge the misconception that breast cancer is an “older white woman’s disease”, and instigate meaningful conversations that could save lives.
Obi Onyiah, programme manager for prevention, awareness and screening at NELCA, said: “Raising awareness about breast cancer in young people, especially in London, is about more than early detection – it’s about empowerment.
“By sharing knowledge and encouraging openness, we can break the silence, help with early action, and inspire young people to take control of their health, no matter what their age…”
Statistics and research
- One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females aged 15 years and over
- Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women under 50 years in the UK
- Nearly 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year
- Most women (almost 100%) will survive their cancer for five years or more when diagnosed at the earliest stage
- Only 25% of 18 to 24 year olds check their chests monthly
- Almost half (47%) of young people in North East London surveyed have never checked their chests
- 27% of young people in North East London surveyed find checking their chests only slightly relevant
- Black African, black Caribbean and South Asian women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer
- Black African women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer as white women, with 25% of black African women and 22% of black Caribbean women being diagnosed with breast cancer at stages 3 and 4 compared to 13% of white British women.