By Katherine Trail

A DUNDEE breast cancer volunteer said yesterday that pop star Kylie Minogue, who has been diagnosed with the disease, has the chance to “do the world of good” for the cause.

Helen Forbes, of Breast Cancer Care, said that Kylie (37) was in the 20% of people diagnosed with breast cancer before the menopause.

She said, “Now younger people will be much more aware of breast cancer. We like to spread the message that people should be aware and not afraid.

“What I have noticed is that there seems to be an increase in the number of younger women who are getting breast cancer, and our volunteers are getting younger too.

“Young people place a huge emphasis on body image and being diagnosed with breast cancer can have a devastating effect on them. It has a devastating effect on anyone, but I think it’s especially hard for younger people who are buying magazines and looking at pictures of models.

“Kylie has a chance to achieve a lot here. It will have a positive effect having such a well-known face involved with the disease, and Kylie has so far been very up front. I think it could do the world of good.”

Helen is the network organiser for the Dundee sector of Breast Cancer Care’s volunteer service. There are five volunteers in the Dundee area.

She said, “There is lots of support given in hospital, but we find that a lot of people want to speak to someone who has suffered from the disease themselves on a personal level after they are finished with hospitals and treatment. It gives them a chance to talk and bounce ideas off of each other.

“I wish all the best to Kylie. She is in the best position at the moment. It has been diagnosed early and the earlier it’s diagnosed the earlier it can be dealt with, and there is a good chance of it being treated successfully.

“She has all her friends and family around her and she is also going to get all the love and support 1000-fold with all her fans.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women—nearly one in three of all cancers in women occur in the breast.

Around 8000 women are diagnosed before their menopause each year, of which around 2000 are in their 20s and 30s.

Latest figures show that there has been a continuing decline in the mortality figures in the last ten years.

The disease is not limited to women, however. Around 1% of those diagnosed with breast cancer are men, the majority of whom are over the age of 60.

Emma Pennery, nurse consultant with Breast Cancer Care, said, “This news will come as a huge shock to many people around the country and our thoughts are with Kylie, her family and friends.

“We wish Kylie well with her treatment and hope to see her back soon.”

Breast Cancer Care provides free information and support to anyone concerned about breast cancer. Contact details: helpline 0808 8006000, textphone 0808 8006001 or visit breastcancercare.org.uk.