Public Health England (PHE) has just started another campaign in its series “Be Clear on Cancer”. This time the target is breast cancer in women over 70 years old. It has been estimated by PHE that around 15 women aged 70 and over die from breast cancer in England every day. They have also found that when asked to name symptoms of breast cancer only half of women over 70 could name a symptom aside from a lump.
The campaign will run from 13 July to 6 September 2015 and focuses on the message “One in three women who get breast cancer are over 70, so don’t assume you’re past it.” 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 straight away if they notice any unusual or persistent changes to their breasts.
Virginia Wade, OBE, British former professional tennis player is supporting the campaign she commented for PHE:
“I’ve just turned 70, which makes this campaign really relevant to me and women like me. The statistics speak for themselves, 1 in 3 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.”
The results of previous campaigns have been encouraging. According to Cancer Research UK: “When taking other routes to diagnosis into account (including breast screening), the total number of women aged over 70, diagnosed with breast cancer following the campaign, increased by 31%+ (comparing March-May 2012 with March-May 2014).
With such positive results, it makes sense to re-run the campaign periodically.
Be Clear on Cancer is a cancer awareness campaign led by Public Health England, working in partnership with the Department of Health and NHS England.
