Early awareness matters: Breast cancer education for young people

Healthwatch Dorset undertook research on breast cancer awareness and education among young people. The project was co-produced with nine Year 12 volunteers from Bournemouth School for Girls, who contributed at least 270 hours to designing, delivering and analysing the research. The study involved 200 respondents and aimed to identify gaps in knowledge about breast cancer, understand where young people obtain health information, and explore how breast cancer education could be improved in secondary schools. 

The report found significant gaps in awareness and several common misconceptions. Half of respondents incorrectly believed that people aged 35-50 are most likely to develop breast cancer, while 35% could not correctly identify symptoms and 57% could not identify where breast cancer can develop in the body. Nearly 60% of students below Year 12 reported never receiving breast cancer awareness education, and 65% of male respondents said they had not received any information about breast cancer through school. 

Participants reported obtaining information from a variety of sources, including schools, healthcare services, family and friends, social media and charities. Around a quarter of respondents said they had learned about breast cancer through social media, particularly TikTok, and 25% felt most comfortable obtaining information online. The research also found notable differences in awareness between male and female respondents, with males generally answering fewer questions correctly. 

The report concluded that there is a need for more consistent and accurate breast cancer education for young people. Healthwatch Dorset recommended developing youth-focused NHS digital content, introducing regular breast cancer education in secondary schools for all genders, and increasing the availability of awareness materials in schools, healthcare settings and community venues. The report emphasised the importance of helping young people identify reliable sources of health information and improving awareness of symptoms, risk factors and support services.