More than half of Scottish women do not regularly check their breasts for signs and symptoms of cancer, according to a survey.

New research from Breast Cancer Now revealed 57% could be putting themselves at risk by not carrying out checks at least once a month for signs and symptoms.

Almost 10% of those asked admitted they have never checked their breasts.

The survey of about 500 women found the majority failed to check regularly because they simply forgot while 16% stated they did not know what signs and symptoms to look for.

The charity is warning more work must be done to encourage women to be breast aware and hopes its Touch Look Check campaign helps identify any body changes that could be a sign or symptom of breast cancer.

Mary Allison, the charity's director for Scotland, said: "Over 4,600 women in Scotland will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 1,000 women will lose their lives to the disease.

"We know that early diagnosis can save lives, so it's incredibly important that women know what to look out for and that they regularly check their breasts.

"The results of this survey are incredibly worrying as they tell us that many Scottish women are not checking their breasts.

"Most cases of breast cancer are found by women noticing unusual changes and visiting their GP, so it's vital that Scottish women regularly check themselves and take action if they spot anything that is unusual for their body."

Margaret Kilmartin, from Perth, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2012 after finding a lump.

She said: "My friend Sylvia was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2012 and over lunch one day she urged me to go home and examine my breasts properly. That evening I checked myself in bed and I felt a lump, which was sore.

"I managed to get an appointment with my GP for the following afternoon and she sent me for a referral at the breast clinic.

"After five mammograms, an ultrasound and some biopsies, I was informed that I had primary breast cancer and would need a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive stage three tumour.

"I have now recovered from breast cancer and I'm so thankful that my treatment was successful.

"Checking your breasts is simple and so important. I want to urge other women to be breast aware and visit the doctor if they spot anything that worries them."

The results of the survey of 504 women, which was carried out online by YouGov in August, comes as Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts today.