Model Leeanne Adu recently made headlines for getting a breast exam on live TV. The segment was part of the British talk show This Morning, and Adu disrobed to have Dr. Sara Kayat perform a physical exam. This rare demonstration was conducted in real-time, without the use of a dummy or simulation. The display has been hailed for its educational benefits, providing viewers with a detailed look at how to properly examine and feel for lumps in the breasts.
Breast cancer awareness and the importance of self-checks are regularly discussed on television, but seeing a real person, instead of a representation, is rare. Adu tells Yahoo Life that she decided to participate in the exam because she understands how critical early detection is. In 2020, at age 35, Adu was diagnosed with stage III, grade 3, triple-negative breast cancer, and the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes. However, because she knew her body and breasts, she was able to detect the lump before it spread further.
The segment has gained widespread attention on social media, with many praising the live demonstration for its potential to save lives. Using real people, instead of fruit or household objects, as is commonly done in simulated exams, helps to eliminate confusion and provide greater detail and confidence in performing self-examinations at home. Other topics covered on This Morning include testicular checks and smear tests.
Doctors have applauded the segment, noting that it is important for women to be informed and educated on how to perform a breast self-exam and also be able to identify any changes in the breast that warrant medical attention. The American Cancer Society notes that research shows little evidence of the benefits of regular physical breast exams, but women should familiarize themselves with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to their healthcare provider immediately.
Adu hopes that her demonstration encourages more women to perform self-examinations regularly and helps educate viewers on what to look for during self-checks. Additionally, Adu emphasizes the importance of seeing different bodies and what a breast exam looks like on those bodies, making it all the more relatable to viewers who may have previously thought they would not be affected by breast cancer.
While a live demonstration of a breast exam may not be common in the United States due to nudity restrictions on daytime television, the educational benefits of using a real person instead of a model or simulation are clear. This segment has the potential to save lives by motivating individuals to perform regular self-examinations and report any changes to their healthcare provider.
