ST HELENS' Public Health team is urging women over 70 to be more aware of breast cancer symptoms.

It follows the launch of Public Health England’s ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign earlier this month.

The campaign aims to make women aged 70 more aware of the risk of breast cancer - and increase their knowledge of lesser-known cancer symptoms.

In St Helens breast cancer is the seventh highest cause of death among females - with over 70s accounting for 59 per cent of those deaths.

Approximately 30 per cent of all women diagnosed with breast cancer report a symptom other than a lump.

But research shows that when asked to name these other symptoms, only half of women over 70 (48 per cent) could do so.

St Helens Council’s Director of Public Health Liz Gaulton said: “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 will reinforce the message ‘don’t assume you’re past it’ - and urges older women to visit their doctor straight away if they notice any unusual or persistent changes to their breasts such as a lump or a change to a nipple or to the skin or the shape of a breast.”

The campaign first launched nationally in early 2014 with research showing that it successfully raised awareness that the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Andy Bowden added: “Early diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial - and means treatment is more likely to be successful. If breast cancer is
diagnosed at the earliest stage in women aged 70 and over, 93 per cent will live for at least another five years. This figure drops to just 13 per cent for those diagnosed at the most advanced stage.”

Spotting the signs of cancer early is vital - so if women are concerned about any breast cancer symptoms they should contact their GP straight away.

For more information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer please
visit nhs.uk/breastcancer70.