‘Be Clear on Cancer’ is urging older women over 70 to visit their doctor if they notice any changes to their breast, such as a lump or a change to the nipple, skin or the shape of their breast.
The campaign is spreading the message ‘Don’t Assume You’re Past It’, urging women over 70 to visit their doctor straight away if they notice any changes to their breasts.
One in three women diagnosed with breast cancer are aged over 70 and we know survival rates are lower in older women.
Recent research shows older women may be less aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and are less likely to go to see their Doctor early if they are worried, both facts can lower the chances of surviving breast cancer.
Knowing what to look for and how to check for breast cancer is important for all women. The NHS breast awareness five point code is:
- Look and feel your breasts regularly
- Know what is normal for you
- Know what changes to look for
- Report any changes without delay to your Doctor
- If you are called for breast screening, make sure you attend your appointment
If you have any of the below signs go and see your Doctor immediately:
- A lump in the breast or armpit
- Nipple changes and/or discharge
- Changes to the skin of your breast
- Changes in the shape or size of your breast
- Pain in your breast or armpit
Councillor Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health and well-being, said: “The Be Clear on Cancer campaign aims to improve early diagnosis of breast cancer and encourages women to see their doctor quickly if they are concerned. The quicker cancer is detected and treated the better the outcomes for patients.
“We want women 70 and over to recognise any changes to their breasts and report any changes / symptoms to their Doctor quickly”
Breast cancer screening programme checks all women in the UK between 50 – 70 years old and women are invited to attend the screening every 3 years. The age of screening is currently beingextended to include women aged from 47 to 73.
Women older than the invitation age range can still have screening every three years, by making their own appointment at their local breast screening unit or speaking to their GP.
In Warrington the number to arrange a screening is (01925) 230923.
If you are under the age range and are worried then please go and see your Doctor immediately.
