Most British women are unaware that breast cancer risk increases with age despite it being one of the strongest risk factors for the disease, according to startling new research. A study commissioned by the charity Breast Cancer Care found that despite the high profile of the disease nearly six out of ten women (58%), regardless of background, did not know that the older they get, the higher their risk.
While 42% of women aged 18 to 24 were unaware, this shot up to 63% in women aged between 35 and 44 and 65% in women aged between 45 and 54. The lack of knowledge was especially concerning in women aged 70 and over. More than half (55%) did not know that they had a higher risk of breast cancer and around a third (30%) did not believe it was necessary to check their breasts “at their age”.
Most worryingly while over 70% knew they had the right to request breast screening, only a quarter took up this opportunity. Furthermore, under a half of women (47%) aged 70 knew what breast aware means.
Christine Fogg, joint chief executive of Breast Cancer Care commented: “It’s extremely alarming that most women over 70 do not take up breast screening. The Government, screening service and patient groups must work together to address this and look at why the link to age is not being heard.”
