Hooters, jugs, bahooba-joobas, knockers, bosoms, melons, boobs... whatever your call your breasts, early detection is the key to successful treatment and increasing your chances of survival. So Breakthrough is using Breast Cancer Awareness Month to remind everyone to show their breasts some TLC.

That means:

TOUCH your breasts. Feel for anything unusual

LOOK for changes. Be aware of their shape and texture

CHECK anything unusual with your doctor

Chat with your friends if you are worried

The Kylie Effect

Kylie Minoque's breast cancer diagnosis has undoubtedly helped raise awareness of the disease.

Accordding to Breakthrough's British Book Survey:

• 56% of women say they are more aware of breast cancer since Kylie's diagnosis
• Awareness was raised across all ages but was considerably higher in younger women, 66% of 25-34 year olds and 62% of 35-44 year olds (Kylies' age group) said their awareness was heightened since Kylie was diagnosed.
• Despite raised awareness, only 43% of women regularly checked their breasts following the news. Unsurprisingly the highest percentage of women who regularly check were in Kylie's age group, the 35-44 group, where 52% of women regularly checked their breasts.
• Only 43% of 55-64 year olds checked their breasts which is worrying, considering this group is most at risk - sa the chances of developing breast cancer increase with age.

2006 Events and Fundraising campaigns

September

The Aviva Weekend to Breakthrough Breast Cancer is back in London again this year (15-17 Sept), with the addition of a second event in Birmingham (22-24 Sept). Heart 106.2 DJ Emma B is taking part in the event. Her mother and aunt have both had breast cancer.

October

Fundraisers are encouraged to put on their very own Pink Party and we will provide party materials, fundraising ideas and party games.

October

Bingo for Breakthrough - Bingo clubs across the UK will be turning pink this year to host a variety of fundraising events for Breakthrough

All year

The £1,000 Challenge celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.

Pink products

A variety of Pink Products will go on sale during September and October (with minimum of 10% of sale price going to Breakthrough) - including gardening, home, beauty, fashion, food, DVD and accessories. Key outlets/brands this year are M&S, GHD, Avon, Scrabble, Pink & Black, Freemans, Evans, and Nissan.

Breakthrough is also working with leading DVD producer, The Rights Company and has created the first ever 'Band Aid' style health and fitness DVD featuring amongst others; Patsy Palmer, Melinda Messenger, Jo Whiley, Gordon and Tana Ramsey, Caroline Monk, Penny Smith & Bonnie Langford. The DVD will be released in early October.

To find out more about Breakthrough Breast Cancer please call 08080 100 200 or visit www.breakthrough.org.uk