Women 'unaware' of increasing cancer risk
Breast cancer is more likely in women aged over 50
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Friday, 21, Sep 2007 11:17
Most women are unaware that their risk of breast cancer increases as they get older, despite age being one of the main risk factors for the disease.
The finding emerged from a survey of more than 1,000 females aged over 18 conducted by ICM for Breast Cancer Care (BCC).
Nearly six out of ten women (58 per cent) questioned said they did not know about the age-related risk.
In the UK over 44,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 80 per cent of cases occur in women aged over 50.
The survey revealed that middle aged women appear to be the most unaware of risk factors, with 65 per cent of those surveyed not aware that their age was putting them at risk.
Although 70 per cent of women in their 70s knew they had a right to attend breast screening, only a quarter took up the opportunity.
BCC joint chief executive Christine Fogg said the "astonishing" results show breast cancer warnings are "failing to reach the majority".
"It's extremely alarming that most women over 70 do not take up breast screening, as this increases the likelihood that any breast cancer they may develop is found at a later stage, which could limit options and reduce the success of any treatment," she added.
"The government, screening service and patient groups must work together to address this and look at why the link to age is not being heard. The forthcoming cancer reform strategy represents a golden opportunity to create practical solutions to tackle this issue and potentially save lives."
BCC patron Cherie Booth QC added: "The evidence is clear that women are more at risk of breast cancer the older we get. So it's of real concern that this latest research shows that majority of women still don't know that 80 percent of breast cancers occur in the over 50s.
"We have to step up our efforts to get over the message to them of the importance of being breast aware, to talk about and report any worries to your GP without delay and the need to take up breast screening from 50 onwards."