Breast Cancer Care: Women alarmingly unaware that breast cancer risk increases with age

Most British women are shockingly unaware that breast cancer risk increases with age despite it being one of the strongest risk factors for the disease, according to startling new research published today.

An ICM poll commissioned by leading support charity Breast Cancer Care (See Notes to Editor) found that despite the high profile of the disease nearly six out of ten women (58%), regardless of background, did not know that the older they get, the higher their risk.

Over 44,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK and 80% of all cases occur in the over 50s. However, the study of over 1,000 female adults alarmingly found that older women were even less likely to know of the link to age. Whilst 42% of women aged 18 to 24 were unaware, this shot up to 63% in women aged between 35 and 44 and 65% in women aged between 45 and 54.

The lack of knowledge was especially concerning in women aged 70 and over. More than half (55%) did not know that they had a higher risk of breast cancer and around a third (30%) did not believe it was necessary to check their breasts ‘at their age’. Most worryingly whilst over 70% knew they had the right to request breast screening, only a quarter took up this opportunity (see Notes to Editor).

The poll also revealed that whilst six out of ten (61%) women aged between 35-44 yrs understood what being breast aware means, this dropped to under a half of women (47%) aged 70 and over.

Carole Rawson, 67, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April following a routine screening appointment. She commented:

“I was sent through an appointment but had to reschedule as I was going on holiday. I’m glad that I didn’t just wait for my next regular appointment, as if I waited three years who knows where I might have been?

“I didn’t have a lump so would not have known I had anything wrong, and that could be the case for others. It’s not a case that if you haven’t got a lump then you don’t need to be screened.

“My cancer was found early on, which means my treatment was relatively short. I encourage my friends under and over 70 to make sure they ask for screening appointments – It’s nothing to be frightened of. If my speaking out will encourage just one woman to attend screening then it will have been worth it.”

Christine Fogg, Joint Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Care commented:

“The link between increasing age and breast cancer risk is well established yet these astonishing results, on the eve of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reveal that the message is 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.

“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.”

The charity is today calling for:

The Government and NHS Screening Service to more effectively target all older women to ensure they know the importance of being breast aware and the need to attend or request screening appointments.

A firm commitment in the Government’s upcoming Cancer Reform Strategy (see Notes to Editor) to find practical ways of encouraging all women over 70 to request screening
More pilot research on extending the current national breast screening programme beyond 70
Cherie Booth QC, Patron of Breast Cancer Care, said:

“My Aunt Audrey died of breast cancer at 52, a year younger than I am now. She had discovered a lump in her breast but, through lack of awareness and embarrassment, didn’t tell her doctor for several months.

“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.”

Ends

For more information on breast awareness or breast cancer contact Breast Cancer Care’s helpline on 0808 800 6000 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Notes to Editors

For more information and to set up interviews with Breast Cancer Care spokespeople and/or case studies, contact Ruwani Weerasinghe at the Breast Cancer Care Press Office on 020 7960 3521 or e-mail ruwaniw@breastcancercare.org.uk

ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1056 females aged 18+ in Great Britain by telephone between 10th and 16th August 2007. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. Full findings are available on request.

Women aged 50-70 yr are invited for breast screening every three years as part of the National Breast Screening Programme. This may not happen upon turning 50 but will happen the age of 53. Women over 70 yr are entitled to free breast screening every three years upon request by contacting a breast screening unit, GP or practice nurse.

The Department of Health is currently looking at ways as part of the Cancer Reform Strategy of updating the 2000 Cancer Plan, that looks at the management of cancer in the UK from prevention, treatment and palliative care to information support, equipment and research

The breast awareness 5-point code:
Know what is normal for you
Know what changes to look and feel for
Look and feel
Report any changes to your GP without delay
Attend routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over

Breast Cancer Care has created a free range of display materials that explain in simple terms what breast awareness is, with information on the breast awareness 5-point code. The packs can be ordered free from www.breastcancercare.care.org.uk or by calling 0845 051 7759.

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 receive almost two million requests for support and information through our services including our helpline, website, 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.

ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.