Corrie raises breast cancer awareness

Coronation Street's breast cancer storyline has been credited for a recent increase in awareness of the disease.

At Christmas, fans of the ITV1 soap saw Weatherfield's Sally Webster - played by Sally Whittaker - telling husband Kevin that she had been diagnosed with the illness and would require treatment.

A specialist breast cancer care unit at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital has now reported that new referrals almost doubled after the plotline began.

The hospital's leading breast cancer consultant Leslie Donaldson told the Grimsby Telegraph: "It is certain if breast cancer becomes a major storyline in a serial programme it will attract a lot of interest and therefore increase awareness."

It is understood that the hospital's Pink Rose Suite, which treats breast cancer patients, had to open extra clinics to cope with the increased demand for check-ups.

Discussing the influx of new referrals, the Suite's breast care manager Rachel Cubbinson explained: "We have predominantly seen more of the worried well coming in. Thankfully we haven't picked up any more cancer, but we have reassured patients."

A Coronation Street spokesperson commented: "We were heartened to hear there's been an increase in the number of women coming forward for screening at the Pink Rose Suite, and are pleased to learn the storyline has contributed. We've worked alongside Genesis and Breast Cancer Care to achieve authenticity while playing out this storyline."

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