A local breast cancer survivor has launched an app that aims to normalise regular self-body checks, and her new celebrity breast friend from Strictly Come Dancing is helping to highlight the news with a bit of added sparkle.
One in seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and studies show that around 40% of breast cancers are detected by women who notice changes during self-exams. Studies also show that more than half of those aged 18 to 35 do not check their breasts.
Gemma Ainger wants to address this and has teamed up with Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden, who is a keen campaigner about the importance of early detection.
Despite feeling healthy and having no family history of the disease, at the age of 42, Mrs Ainger was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, which had already spread to her lymph nodes, just weeks after noticing something unusual in the shower.
‘If I’d been paying attention to my chest, I could’ve caught it sooner,’ she said.
‘It was sitting there waiting to be found, and I didn’t spot it. This app isn’t necessarily about breast cancer – it’s about paying attention to your body. I needed to do something that would help lots of people not be like me. Something really positive, to come from something so terrible.
‘There’s a high chance it won’t be anything scary, but it’s better to know – the earlier things get caught, the better.’
During her surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, going on into remission – Mrs Ainger created the My Breast Friend app.
It sends a monthly reminder to perform a self-check, with simple pointers on how and what to feel for, with the aim of making regular checks part of normal routine.
Launched last month, with the help of the local Pink Ladies charity, the free app has so far reached 4,500 downloads. Mrs Ainger said she wanted to hit the 5,000 milestone by Christmas.
So far only 10% of her downloads have been from Guernsey. ‘But there are more than 11,000 females between 20 and 49 in Guernsey,’ she said. ‘Come on people!’
Strictly star Amy has been a massive factor in helping her to secure national attention.
The 35-year-old dancer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and is currently recovering from a second mastectomy, after choosing the surgery as a precautionary act.
‘When Gemma told me about her plans for My Breast Friend it was exactly what I had been looking for – something simple and positive people can do to remind them to check monthly, know their bodies, and act early,’ she said.
‘I immediately wanted to collaborate with her to make the app the best it can be and reach as many people as possible. I know how vital it is that breast cancer is detected early and if you’re not checking your chest, then who is? It doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s no reason not to download this app, it could literally save your life.’
The app is built with medical input from leading breast specialists, and lets users log any changes quickly and privately.
Mrs Ainger said that she bonded with the Strictly dancer almost immediately, having gone through similar experiences with the disease.
‘In my “dreaming big” approach to all this, I wanted to get her involved,’ she said.
‘I know she’s already a big advocate for checking your boobs. I emailed her agent, was instantly connected and we gelled right away. We have the same mission, passion and drive. She’s lovely and it’s amazing how quick she was to jump wholeheartedly on board with me, to try and make this as big as it can be.’
The pair have brunched together in London, where Mrs Ainger joined the star at a radio show, have done several interviews together for publication, and she watched as Amy mentioned her name and the app during a recent appearance on The Lorraine Show.
‘Hopefully this relationship will blossom into something,’ said Mrs Ainger.
‘I think when you both go through a similar illness, it connects you on a much deeper level – it’s special. I’ve met lots of people throughout this, and Amy is just one of them. She’s dedicated to help get my app out there. She told me: “If I say I’m in – I’m all in”. So I’m hoping together we can do a couple of events next year as well.’
Mrs Ainger plans to bring My Breast Friend into schools, universities and workplaces, and to collaborate with health and lifestyle brands. She said next on her email list were Princess Catherine and Jessie J, for their help to promote the app further. The pair recently made headlines after sharing a hug on the red carpet, prompted by their shared experience of cancer.
My Breast Friend is available to download on the App Store and Google Play. More information at www.mybreastfriend.health.
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