BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

With the sad news of Sarah Harding’s death, the devasting disease cancer, specifically breast cancer, has been highlighted again.

Breast cancer affects everyone!  From the overwhelming emotional and physical effects of the disease to the long-lasting effects and the impact on your family and loved ones.

 

WHO DEVELOPS BREAST CANCER?

In the UK….

  • Every 10 minutes one women is diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • It doesn’t discriminate! 55,000 women and 370 men per year will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • Eight out of 10 breast cancer cases develop in women 50 and over.
  • One in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE SURVIVE BREAST CANCER IN THE UK?

  • 85% of women survive breast cancer for five years or more.
  • Breast cancer survival has doubled in the past 40 years due to a combination of early detection, improvements in treatment and care and faster diagnosis.
  • Approximately 600,000 people are alive in the UK after a positive diagnosis of breast cancer. This is predicted to rise to 1.2 million in 2030.

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE DIE FROM BREAST CANCER?

  • Approximately 11,500 women and 85 men die from breast cancer in the UK per year.
  • Breast cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the UK.
  • Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women under 50 in the UK.

 

BUT YOU CAN HELP REDUCE YOUR RISKS!

Small changed in your lifestyle can help reduce your risk of all cancers!

  • Reduce your alcohol intake! Regular alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer, so reducing your alcohol intake by even one or two units can reduce your risk.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause.
  • Keep physically active. Even 20 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous activity can reduce your long-term risks.
  • Stop Smoking!
  • Breastfeeding your children can help to slightly reduce your risks.

 

Make sure to check your breast regularly.  If you notice any changes, make an appointment to see your GP without delay.  Most breast changes, including breast lumps, are not cancer.  The sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be. 

 

Don’t be embarrassed!  You will not be wasting your doctors time and it may just save your life!