1 in 8 Women Will Soon Develop Breast Cancer

Over the past decade the rate of breast cancer has sharply increased. New figures published by Cancer Research UK, suggest that one in eight women will soon develop breast cancer. This increase can be attributed to lifestyle changes like- women are planning babies later in life, they are drinking and eating more than before and exercising less. However early diagnosis and survival rates have improved, with 2/3 of breast cancer patients surviving for 20years or more. Almost half of those who develop breast tumors are middle-aged women, while 1/3 are pensioners and just 1 in 5 women are aged between 25 and 49years.

The charity's director of health information, Sara Hiom, said, "Women cannot change their genes but small changes in everyday habits can help to reduce cancer risk. Cutting back on alcohol by keeping within government recommended limits of no more than 14 units a week (a small drink a day) helps. Taking more exercise and eating a diet high in fiber but low in saturated fat can help maintain a healthy weight which in turn reduces breast cancer risk. Women should also discuss hormone replacement therapy with their doctor as long-term use can raise breast cancer risk. Mammograms will pick up breast cancers early on before they can be felt as a lump or spotted through other visible changes and we know that the earlier a cancer is detected the more successful treatment is likely to be so women can benefit by taking up invitations to breast screening."




Source-Medindia