With the exception of lung cancer, more women in the UK die from breast cancer than any other type of cancer with the disease claiming around 12,000 lives every year. The risk of developing breast cancer continues to rise as women get older as 80% of cases occur in post-menopausal women but despite this, for women over 50, mammograms are only available every three years. Despite the risks, only around half of women check their breasts every month, and of those, the majority do not feel confident detecting abnormalities themselves. New research reveals that a new hand held device, alongside usual methods of breast checking, may improve the chances of women detecting breast abnormalities early and it has been found to be particularly useful for women who find detection by touch difficult.

So, how can women become more confident when carrying out breast checks?

Joining us in the studio is Media Doctor, Dr Chris Steele.