22/07/2015 - Permalink

Low awareness of non-lump breast cancer symptoms putting West Midlands over 70s’ health at risk

Related topics: Community / Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners Public Health England

  • Latest Be Clear on Cancer in the West Midlands campaign urges women over 70 to be aware of breast cancer symptoms

  • Approximately 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer report a symptom other than a lump

  • However, when asked to name symptoms of breast cancer, only half of women aged 70 and over (48%) could name a symptom aside from a lump

  • One in three women diagnosed with breast cancer each year are aged 70 and over

  • Around 600 women aged 70 and over die from breast cancer in the West Midlands region every year

Public Health England have launched a “Be Clear on Cancer” campaign aimed at women aged 70 and over, to drive awareness of the risk of breast cancer among this age group and to increase their knowledge of lesser-known breast cancer symptoms.

Around 1,500 women aged 70 and over in the West Midlands region are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Nationally, aapproximately 30% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer report a symptom other than a lump. However research shows that when asked to name symptoms of breast cancer, only half of women over 70 (48%) could name a symptom aside from a lump.

Despite older women being at an increased risk of breast cancer, they are also more likely to delay going to their GP with breast cancer symptoms. This year’s campaign activity will reinforce the message “don’t assume you’re past it”, urging older women to visit their doctor straightaway if they notice any unusual or persistent changes to their breasts such as a lump, or a change to a nipple or to the skin or the shape of a breast.

The campaign first launched nationally in early 2014 and research shows that it successfully raised awareness that the risk of breast cancer increases with age. Promising results show a 25% increase in the number of breast cancers diagnosed in women aged 70 and over following an urgent GP referral for suspected breast cancer during the campaign period, compared with the same period two years earlier.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in England, with around 41,200 women diagnosed every year.

National figures show that around 9,500 women die from breast cancer each year and over half of these are women aged 70 and over (5,400). This equates to around 15 women aged 70 and over dying from breast cancer in England every day. In 2013 1,030 of women in the West Midlands region died of breast cancer, with nearly 60% (595) being women over 70 years old.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial and means treatment is more likely to be successful. If breast cancer is diagnosed at the earliest stage in women aged 70 and over, 93% will live for at least another five years. This figure drops to just 13% for those diagnosed at the most advanced stage.

Dr Lola Abudu, public health consultant with PHE West Midlands, said:

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in England. In 2013 4,616 women were diagnosed in the West Midlands region, and 1,505 were aged 70 or over. Like the national average, that’s around one third of diagnoses coming from women 70 years and older – so don’t assume you’re ‘past it’ just because you’re over 70.

“Around 5,400 women aged 70 and over die from breast cancer in England each year, and around 600 of those deaths are in the West Midlands region. So it’s really important to check breasts regularly, no matter how old you are – and not just for lumps. Other potential signs include thickening in your breast or armpit, changes to the skin of your breast, changes in the shape and size of your breast, changes to nipples or discharge from nipples, pain in your breast, or any other unusual or persistent changes to your breasts. Anyone with any of these symptoms should go to see their GP.

“Checking your breasts regularly is not the only thing you can do; lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cancer. Being overweight accounts for nearly one in 10 cases of breast cancer, so swapping to lower fat and lower sugar foods and drinks, and getting more exercise to maintain a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.”

Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer, said:

“You are never too old to get breast cancer. It is not always a lump, and women should look out for any changes in the shape of the breast, a change to a nipple or to the skin. Spotting the signs of cancer early is very important, so if women are concerned about any breast cancer symptoms they should contact their GP straightaway.”

Virginia Wade, OBE, British former professional tennis player, is supporting the　campaign, and said:

“I’ve just turned 70, which makes this campaign really relevant to me and women like me. The statistics speak for themselves, one in three women who get breast cancer are over 70.　

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in England. Sadly, everyone knows someone who has been touched by breast cancer, which is why I’m supporting this campaign. I want to say to all women over 70: don’t assume you’re past it. If you notice any changes to your breasts, tell your doctor. We’re not just talking about a lump – symptoms of breast cancer could also be changes to your breast shape, size, skin or nipple.

“Family and friends – please do encourage loved ones to seek medical help if they say they have symptoms or have noticed any changes. Some women feel they are too old for certain things, but unfortunately breast cancer isn’t one of them.”

Diana Moran, Health Writer and International Fitness Expert said:

“I know first-hand the effects that breast cancer can have. I was 47 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my advice hasn’t changed – get to know your breasts and recognise if there are any changes. The older you get, the more important it is to be aware of your body. You’ll be as surprised as I was to hear that one in three women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are over 70.　

“If you do notice a change in your breasts, whether it’s a lump, discharge or a skin change, go and see your GP as soon as you can. The chances are that it’s nothing serious. But it might be something that needs attention and, if diagnosed earlier, treatment can be a lot more successful.”

For more information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer please visit nhs.uk/breastcancer70.