Elderly women are putting themselves at risk of breast cancer over not knowing risks

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One in three with breast cancer - around 13,400 - are over 70 years old
Half of those will die from the disease which kills 15 elderly women a day
But fears people don't know signs as third report a non-lump symptom

Published: 19:26 EST, 12 July 2015 | Updated: 12:55 EST, 13 July 2015

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Elderly women may be putting themselves at risk of breast cancer because only half could name a symptom aside from a lump.

A third of those diagnosed with the disease - around 13,400 - are aged over 70 and every day it kills around 15 of those women.

While one in three of with breast cancer have reported a symptom other than a lump.

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Around three in ten women diagnosed with breast cancer report a symptom other than a lump with a third - around 13,400 - of those diagnosed with the disease aged over 70

Be Clear on Cancer 'breast cancer in women over 70' campaign

Early detection and treatment is vital to increase survival chances but despite older women being at greater risk they are also more likely to delay going to their GP with breast cancer symptoms.

Many may not think their symptom is serious, they may be embarrassed or do not want to waste their GPs time.

Yet 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.

But this drops to just 13 per cent for those diagnosed at the most advanced stage.

It is estimated 2,000 deaths of all women in England could be avoided each year if survival rates matched the best in Europe.

British former professional tennis player Virginia Wade, OBE, (pictured at Wimbeldon, left) who has just turned 70 has backed the campaign

Public Health England today launches a nationwide 'Be Clear on Cancer' campaign aimed at these women and increase their knowledge of lesser-known breast cancer symptoms.

The message 'don't assume you're past it' 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 was launched nationally last year and found awareness has increased with age with a 25 per cent rise in breast cancers diagnoses in women aged 70 and over following an urgent GP referral for suspected breast cancer.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer, said: 'You are never too old to get breast cancer. It is not always a lump and women should look out for any changes in the shape of the breast, a change to a nipple or to the skin.

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

British former professional tennis player Virginia Wade, OBE, who has just turned 70 has backed the campaign and added: 'Sadly everyone knows someone who has been touched by breast cancer, which is why I'm supporting this campaign.

'I want to say to all women over 70, don't assume you're past it. If you notice any changes to your breasts, tell your doctor.

'We're not just talking about a lump - symptoms of breast cancer could also be changes to your breast shape, size, skin or nipple.

'Family and friends - please do encourage loved ones to seek medical help if they say they have symptoms or have noticed any changes. Some women feel they are too old for certain things, but unfortunately breast cancer isn't one of them.'

Dr Ann Hoskins, Public Health England Deputy Director, said: 'This campaign aims to target women aged 70 and over, as we know that many women of this age group are unaware of the risk breast cancer poses to them.

'They also tend to have lower knowledge of the symptoms of breast cancer, and are not necessarily looking at or feeling their breasts so are less likely to detect change.'

The nationwide Be Clear on Cancer 'breast cancer in women over 70' campaign launch on Monday and runs for eight weeks.

Dr Dawn Harper talks about the Be Clear on Cancer campaign