In 2012, actress and comedienne Elaine C. Smith appeared in a TV advert asking women to look out for some of the less well known signs of breast cancer.
Regarded as controversial by some, it featured detailed photos of women’s chests and sent out the message that the early signs of breast cancer can come in many forms.
Asked at the time why she had agreed to take part in such a bold video, Elaine said she wanted to think it might save even one person’s life.
Now, four years on, a new video features the moment Elaine receives living proof of how much the advert achieved — as she comes face-to-face with a woman who saw the ad, sought a check-up, and received the crucial early diagnosis that dramatically improved her survival chances.
Janet Brodie is one of the tens of thousands of women who were prompted to seek advice thanks to Elaine’s involvement.
Within days, she had received the news that she did indeed have early stage cancer and was soon in treatment.
Janet tells the TV star: “Your boobs saved my life!”
In the three months after the campaign started in September 2012, 21,000 women went to their GP for advice — up over 30% on the year before.
Elaine, who lost her mum Stella to breast cancer in 2005, admitted the original advert had been difficult but was something she felt she needed to do.
“It did take a lot out of me and after filming, I burst into tears, knowing that if my mum had seen it, she might still be here today,” she said.
“I think the advert is shocking and some people won’t like it. But, for me, doing it was a no-brainer.”
For more information on the Don’t Get Scared, Get Checked campaign, visit www.getcheckedearly.org.
