Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County councils are supporting the new NHS Be Clear on Cancer, ‘Breast cancer in women over 70’ campaign.
The national campaign, which runs over the summer until 6 September, aims to raise awareness of breast cancer symptoms in women aged 70 and over, informing them that 1 in 3 women who get breast cancer are over 70, ‘so don’t assume you’re past it’.
The campaign also emphasises that ‘a lump is not the only sign of breast cancer’. Other possible signs of breast cancer include a lump in the armpit, nipple changes, changes to the skin of the breast, changes to breast shape or size. If a woman has any of these symptoms, she should contact her doctor straight away.
Breast cancer survival is lower in women aged over 70 than in younger women. Research shows that older women are less ‘breast aware’ and are more likely to delay going to their doctor. Women may experience embarrassment, be afraid of treatment or dismiss the symptoms as a sign of ageing; this campaign is encouraging them not to let these concerns stop them from making an appointment with their doctor.
The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed the higher the chances of survival and the more treatment options are available. More than 90% of all women diagnosed with the earliest stage breast cancer survive their disease for at least five years. This figure is around 15% for women diagnosed with the most advanced stage of the disease.
Cllr Alex Norris, Nottingham City Council Portfolio Holder for Public Health said:
“One in three women who get breast cancer are over 70, so it’s absolutely crucial that they are aware of the symptoms. A lump isn’t the only sign of breast cancer so as soon as any woman notices any changes in her breasts, she should visit her doctor.”
Cllr Joyce Bosnjak, Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Public Health Committee said:
“Women should not be embarrassed or scared about going to see a doctor. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival. More than 90% of all women diagnosed with the earliest stage of breast cancer survive their disease for at least five years. Women, especially older women, need to be alert to any changes in their breast straight away.”
For further information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/breastcancer70
