Risk of breast cancer increases

Friday, 4 February 2011 11:53 AM

One in eight women will develop breast cancer, rising from one in nine, according to Cancer Research UK.

New figures, published today World Cancer Day, show the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer has increased.

The breast cancer rate in the UK has also increased by 3.5 per cent, with 47,700 women diagnosed with the disease in 2008 compared with 42,400 in 1999.

Cancer Research UK figures show the biggest rise was among women between 50 and 69 where cases increased by more than six per cent, in the ten year period.

Breast cancer rates among younger women, had decreased slightly however, by 0.5 per cent.

Lifestyle factors and having a family history of breast cancer are seen as increasing a women’s risk of developing breast cancer.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK director of health information, says women can’t change their genes but they can make small changes to their everyday life. Cutting back on their alcohol intake is one suggestion and getting checked on a regular basis is important.

She said: “We know that the earlier a cancer is detected the more successful treatment is likely to be so women can benefit by taking up invitations to breast screening.”
 

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