Breast Cancer Care: Comments on benefits of breast screening for women aged up to 75, presented at the European Breast Cancer Conference.

Comment on research from the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam on the benefits of breast screening for women aged up to 75, presented at the European Breast Cancer Conference.

Liz Carroll, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care, said:

” The benefits of routine breast screening are well established and this study adds to the growing evidence of the benefits of screening for older women.

” In the UK, women are currently invited to attend regular breast screening between the ages of 50 and 70 and can request screening from 70 upwards. The government has committed to extend the routine screening age to 73 by 2012 but much more must be done now to encourage women in every community to take up invitations to regular screenings and to request screening after 70.

“Our own research has shown that many women are unaware of their right to request screening after 70 and that breast cancer risk increases with age. As the vast majority (80 per cent) of breast cancers are found in women aged 50 and over, Breast Cancer Care urges every eligible woman to take up their right.

“Regardless of age all women should be breast aware throughout their life, by being familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel so that any changes unusual for them can be picked up quickly and reported to their doctor without delay.”

Ends

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns can get free, confidential support and information from the Breast Cancer Care helpline on 0808 800 6000 or by visiting www.breastcancercare.org.uk

For further media information, please contact

Laura Grossart
0207 960 3473/0770 290 1334
laurag@breastcancercare.org.uk

1 Breast Cancer Care’s ’80 over 50′ study (2007) found that six out of ten women were not aware that breast cancer risk increases with age. Only a quarter of those who were aware they could request breast screening over 70 took up this offer.

· Breast Cancer Care has been working for over 30 years to make a difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer. We provide accurate, easy to understand information as well as practical and emotional support. We are the only charity working across the UK to provide these services. Every year we reach over one million people through our website, helpline, publications, person to person support and health promoting activities, all of which are offered free. We are committed to campaigning for better treatment and support for people with breast cancer and their families.

EMPLOY: Breast Cancer Care’s guide to best practice in the workplace

Breast Cancer Care is launching the EMPLOY Campaign across the country in May, June and July, a guide and charter aimed at providing employers and employees with support on best practice in the workplace. If you would like more information please contact Chris Quince at chrisq@breastcancercare.org.uk call 0207 960 3569 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/employ