By Lucy Caulkett-
Actress and long-time breast cancer campaigner Liz Hurley delivered a powerful message this week, stating that women are inadvertently increasing their breast cancer risk by habitually neglecting their own health. Speaking from personal experience and her years of advocacy, Ms. Hurley suggested that the pervasive societal expectation for women to be primary caregivers often leads to them delaying crucial medical appointments, ignoring persistent symptoms, and avoiding necessary self-checks.
Hurley speaking to Sky’s Jacquie Beltrao. Pic: Sky News
The cultural tendency for women to “always put ourselves last,” she argues, translates directly into a higher breast cancer risk because early detection opportunities are missed. When signs of the disease are ignored or routine screenings are skipped due to a busy schedule, the chances of catching cancer in its most treatable stage diminish significantly.
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Ms. Hurley’s comments underline a major public health challenge: the failure to prioritize personal well-being. Acknowledging this increased breast cancer risk, she implored women to be diligent about performing monthly self-examinations and scheduling regular mammograms, even amid busy family and professional lives. She highlights that even small delays can have profound consequences when dealing with an aggressive disease. The message is particularly salient as awareness campaigns continue to emphasize that early diagnosis remains the most effective tool against advanced forms of the disease.
Consequently, mitigating breast cancer risk requires a fundamental shift in behavior and scheduling priorities. This powerful celebrity voice is bringing much-needed attention to the dangerous practice of women sidelining their health for others. The campaigner stressed that taking time for health is not a luxury but an essential responsibility.
“We are often preoccupied with the needs of our children, spouses, mothers, and in-laws. Consequently, our own well-being is frequently overlooked,” she stated. Ms. Hurley, whose grandmother succumbed to breast cancer, suggested that considering breast examinations as a means of maintaining health to enable continued care for others is beneficial. She explained that this perspective prevents the activity from seeming self-serving or a burden, but rather, essential. She further noted that performing a breast check “takes only two minutes,” equivalent to the time required for brushing one’s teeth.
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In the United Kingdom, over one-third of women decline their initial mammogram appointment. A study involving 500,000 Swedish women revealed a comparable non-attendance rate. Annually, over 11,000 individuals succumb to breast cancer in the UK, equating to 31 deaths daily, according to Cancer Research UK. Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related mortality, representing 7% of all cancer deaths, as reported by the charity.
Regarding concerns that the messaging may have been disregarded, Hurley stated that attending screenings, which are free through the NHS, is “definitely advised” and recommended that all women become familiar with their breasts. She noted that the illness was previously perceived as “a disease for older ladies,” adding, “And we didn’t understand that younger women also get diagnosed. That’s been a lot in the news lately.” She continued, “There appear to be more women, younger women being diagnosed. And that could well be one of the reasons is that people are more breast aware, more self-aware.”
She said to Ms. Beltrao, a breast cancer survivor, “people have seen you on television talking about breast cancer.”Consequently, due to increased awareness, she noted that women have “begun to understand that it can never be too early to start checking your own breasts and to familiarize yourself [with them].” She further emphasized, “When you’re younger and you’re not yet having regular mammograms, you do really have to be aware of your own breasts to be able to see if there’s a change, feel if there is a change and go to your doctor.”
Liz Hurley, famously associated with major breast cancer campaigns for decades, leverages her platform to drive this vital conversation about health prioritization. Her advocacy efforts consistently focus on educating women that managing their breast cancer risk begins with self-awareness and proactive health measures. The star’s message is that while genetics and lifestyle factors play roles, the delay in seeking medical advice is often a self-imposed barrier to survival. She stresses that women must challenge the instinct to defer their own health checks until “tomorrow.” The breast cancer risk for women globally makes this a universal issue, transcending national borders and socio-economic statuses.
This recent intervention follows years of work aiming to demystify the disease and encourage open conversation, a crucial step in reducing the global impact of this disease. Early detection is not just a medical ideal; it is a practical tool that dramatically improves survival rates. Information on how to perform effective self-examinations and understand the common signs of breast cancer is readily available on the Cancer Research UK website. Ms. Hurley’s ongoing commitment reinforces the need for continuous vigilance against the disease.
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