STAFF at Ilkley's Cancer Research Campaign shop are getting on their soap boxes to raise awareness of the disease.

Actually, this is not strictly true. They will be giving away soap boxes rather than standing on them.

The Grove-based shop is giving away Be Breast Aware soap boxes to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Now in its fifth year, the event aims to highlight breast cancer which affects one in 11 British women each year.

The pale aqua blue soap box gives useful tips on what to look and feel for while checking breast tissue.

Women should check their breasts regularly as part of their daily routine, looking for changes in shape, appearance and how they feel.

Kate Law, Cancer Research Campaign head of clinical programmes, said: "Breast cancer is the biggest killer among women. Early detection is vital to dramatically increase the chance of being cured. Check your breasts and be aware of any unusual changes."

"The Be Breast Aware Soap Box is a good way to remind women to check their breasts daily while taking a bath or shower," she said.

The 30 free soap boxes will be available from the Ilkley shop (12 The Grove) from today onwards.

They will be given away on a 'first come, first served' basis, one box per person.

If anyone would like more information on breast cancer, a Be Breast Aware leaflet is available.

Send a SAE to CRC, Be Breast Aware, 10 Cambridge Terrace, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4JL.

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