Two-Thirds of Women Skip Breast Cancer Checks: New Survey Reveals

A recent survey has revealed that a troubling two-thirds of women do not regularly check their breasts for signs of cancer. The research, commissioned by Estée Lauder Companies for its Breast Cancer Campaign, indicates that many women either forget to perform these checks or are unaware of the warning signs associated with breast cancer. Alarmingly, 13 percent of respondents reported that they never check their breasts at all, while only one in five women claimed to be informed about the symptoms to watch for.

Experts recommend that women perform breast self-examinations at least once a month, looking for any unusual changes in shape, appearance, or lumps, all of which can be potential indicators of breast cancer. Despite this guidance, the survey of 2,000 women found that only 36 percent actually engage in monthly self-checks.

Raising Awareness Through Education

To address these concerning findings, Dr Zoe Williams, a prominent healthcare professional, has collaborated with Estée Lauder to launch an accessible self-check video. The aim is to encourage more women to incorporate breast checks into their monthly routines. Dr Williams emphasized the importance of familiarity with one’s own body, stating, “Getting to know how your breasts look and feel will help you know what is normal for you. Getting into the habit of regularly self-checking should be part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.”

The survey also uncovered that a significant 25 percent of women who do not check their breasts attribute this to a lack of education on how to perform the checks. Furthermore, approximately two-thirds of women who have concerns about potential symptoms admitted they have not consulted a healthcare professional.

The findings highlighted that young women aged 18-29 feel most comfortable discussing breast health with family or friends. Interestingly, a third of all women surveyed expressed that they would be more inclined to perform self-checks if they had access to clear and straightforward demonstrations. Additionally, 40 percent believed that teaching self-checking techniques in schools and universities should be mandatory.

Progress and Ongoing Challenges

These insights follow a 2022 study by Estée Lauder Companies, which identified the lowest self-checking rates among women under 40, particularly within black and South Asian communities. While there is still a long way to go, the latest data from 2025 indicates some improvement: the percentage of women under 40 checking their breasts only every two months or less has decreased to 65 percent. Among black women, this rate has dropped from 76 percent to 56 percent.

Pernilla Nyberg, general manager and senior vice president of Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland, expressed optimism about the improvements in awareness and prevention. “We’re encouraged by the improvements, but there’s still work to do. Our mission is to ensure everyone knows the signs and feels confident checking their own breasts,” she stated.

With ongoing efforts to enhance awareness and education regarding breast health, the hope is that more women will take proactive steps towards their health, ultimately reducing the incidence of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis.