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Quirky Canadian rock band, the Barenaked Ladies, say the ‘odds are’ you’re five times more likely to survive breast cancer in Scotland if it’s diagnosed and treated at the earliest stage.

The alternative band, whose latest single ‘Odds Are’ will be showcased when they play in Edinburgh today, Thursday 28 November 2013, took time out to tell Scottish women to look for other visual signs of breast cancer when checking their breasts, as lumps are not the only sign of the disease.

Drummer Tyler Stewart, who will be visiting family while he’s on tour in Scotland, said, “Everyone knows someone that has been affected by cancer. Our bandmate, keyboard/guitarist Kevin Hearn is a leukaemia survivor and he’ll tell you the best way to get treated and survive this blasted disease is to detect it early by checking for signs and symptoms.

“So the Barenaked Ladies is urging all Scottish women to check those breasts for any signs of breast cancer because it’s not just about lumps! Don’t get scared, get checked!”

One in nine women in Scotland will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, so it’s crucial that people are aware of the signs and are checked at the first opportunity. You’re five times more likely to survive breast cancer if it’s diagnosed and treated at the earliest stage. Breast screening is offered in Scotland to women between the ages of 50 and 70 years of age.

The Barenaked Ladies played Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Wednesday 27 November and will play The Picturehouse in Edinburgh on Thursday 28 November 2013.

If you want to find out more information about breast cancer and its symptoms, contact NHS Inform 0800 22 44 88 or www.nhsinform.co.uk.

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.