Thursday, 28 September 2006

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Olivia Newton John: Test yourself for breast cancer

Spot the early signs and save your own life

Breast cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John, 58, is more aware than most about how discovering the disease in its early stages can greatly increase the chance of survival. And she is backing The Liv Kit as a home-use device.

'I believe it could help women detect breast cancer sooner,' she says. 'It's named the Liv Kit – after myself – and acts like a "microscope for the hand" by increasing a woman's sense of touch when checking her breasts for lumps. It was thanks to examining my breasts regularly that I found my tumour.'

I felt terror down to my boots

If something similar had been around when her illness first took hold, Olivia says she might have reacted even sooner. Nevertheless, compared to many breast cancer sufferers she was diagnosed relatively quickly.

When she discovered a lump in one of her breasts she had a mammogram, which proved negative. A biopsy gave the same result. To be absolutely certain she underwent a lumpectomy in 1992, which was when her doctor called to tell her she had cancer.

She admits that, despite trying to seem relentlessly positive on the outside, she had a moment of real fear after she was told. 'I woke up in the middle of the night and went downstairs,' she recalls. 'I felt terror down to my boots. My knees and legs went weak and I thought the cancer must have spread right through my body.'

It only takes a few minutes a month

Olivia was 43 when she was told she had cancer. A few days after the diagnosis she had an operation that involved a partial mastectomy. She had her breast reconstructed at the same time. This was followed by months of chemotherapy, supplemented by homeopathy. Since then, she's been in remission.

'I've learnt that doing regular breast self-examination saved my life,' she says. 'The Liv Kit makes it easier to feel lumps than with my hands alone. By doing your breast examination every month, you can discover what's normal for you. Make it a habit – like exercising, using sun block or eating a healthy diet. It only takes a few minutes a month, but could make a world of difference.'

I felt terror down to my boots

The Liv Kit was launched in the US and is the first of its kind. The soft, circular tool works like a magnifying glass for the fingertips, making your sense of touch very sensitive. Dr Ernie Bodai is an advocate of the kit. 'Women who find cancer at an earlier stage might indeed extend their life,' he says. 'The earlier you diagnose, the better your survival rate. It can be used every month or every three months – there's no need to be fanatical.'

UK breast cancer experts stress that while such a tool might be helpful in detecting lumps, being generally breast aware is more important than regimented self-examination. Antonia Bunnin, Breakthrough Breast Cancer's director of policy and campaigns, says: 'Being breast aware doesn't mean following a strict or complicated routine or using special equipment. Just get to know what your breasts look and feel like normally and, if you find anything unusual or are worried, contact your GP as soon as possible. The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the better your chances of survival.

Nine out of 10 lumps aren't actually cancer

'As well as feeling for breast lumps, women should look out for other symptoms, such as a lumpy area or thickening of the breast that doesn't disappear after your period; a change in the size or shape or skin of the breast; a change in the appearance or direction of the nipple; blood-stained discharge or breast pain that doesn't go away after your period.'

Dr Bodai says: 'The kit can help you pick up lumps, but it can't detect cancer or early cancerous changes.' And while it's important to discuss any abnormalities you notice with your GP, don't worry unduly. As Antonia Bunnin points out: 'Nine out of 10 lumps aren't actually cancer.'

Other celeb sufferers

• Singer Anastacia had a lump removed in 2004 and is now in recovery. 'It's taught me a lot about myself, others and how to live life and respect it,' she says.
• Koo Stark had surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and has since set up a charity. 'My cancer experience has encouraged me to inform and help others,' she says.
• Geri Halliwell had a cancer scare in her teens when she found a lump. She's now a patron of Breast Cancer Care.
• Holby City star Amanda Mealing posed topless in 2003 in order to show her mastectomy scar. She's now had reconstructive surgery and feels 'sexier than ever'. She reveals: 'Cancer's taught me that I'm tougher than I thought and made me realise what's important in life.'

Further information

• The Liv Kit is available from leading pharmacies and department stores (from £17.99). it's also available online at www.goodforhealth.com. For further information, call 0870 2252022
• Visit www.curebreastcancer.org.
• To find out more about Breakthrough or breast cancer research, call 08080 100200 or visit www.breakthrough.org.uk.

Ali Agnew