Rising obesity levels could be contributing to the upward trend
The number of British women diagnosed with breast cancer has reached an all-time high, according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK.
A total of 40,000 women are now annually diagnosed with the disease and, according to scientists, there is still a long way to go before doctors fully understand risk factors in order to develop more effective, preventative strategies.
Despite the increasing incid-ence rate, three out of five women now survive for five years or more and death rates are down significantly, according to the charity. There has been a decrease in the death rate from breast cancer of 21% over the past 10 years due to improvements in treatment.
Head of Cancer Research UK's epidemiology, mathematics and statistics department, Professor Jack Cuzick, said although the increased survival rates can be attributed to better screening programmes and treatment, the reasons behind rising incidence rates were less clear cut.
'The levels of the female hormone oestrogen seem to be important, but these levels depend on a number of other variables.
'We know that obesity in post-menopausal women is a risk factor and that it can raise the levels of oestrogen. We also know that levels of obesity have been rising steadily in the past decade and this may be contributing to the upward trend. But many of the risk factors are difficult or impossible to control ' genes play a role and both late and early onset of periods are known to increase the risk.
'We need to do more to understand the risk factors and develop preventative strategies,' he said.
Professor Robert Souhami, clinical director at Cancer Research UK, said although the increase in the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is a matter of concern, steps were being made to increase prevention. 'Research is beginning to uncover the factors which affect risk, and knowing who is at risk and why is the first step towards prevention. In the meantime, early detection remains very important in preventing deaths from breast cancer and it is essential that women are aware of this and attend for screening when they are invited,' he said.
