Breast Cancer Campaign's response to new UK breast cancer statistics

26th June 2008

Pamela Goldberg, Chief Executive, Breast Cancer Campaign says “The latest Scottish statistics complete the picture of breast cancer incidence across the UK in 2005, showing an increase from over 44,000 new cases in 2004, to almost 46,000 in the following year.

“A key age group with a rise in incidence rate is those aged 65 to 69, which can in part be attributed to the extension of the NHS screening programme in 2004 for this group in England and Scotland.

“The good news is that, although breast cancer incidence is increasing, survival rates continue to improve, highlighting progress in early diagnosis and treatments. It therefore remains crucial that women continue to be breast aware and those aged 50 and over attend their routine NHS screening appointments as early diagnosis will increase the chances of long-term survival. The progress in terms of survival and treatment is down to excellent research. We need to ensure that research into breast cancer is supported so that further discoveries are made.”

View the current breast cancer statistics for the UK

Call Breast Cancer Campaign's press office on 020 7749 4115
or email press@breastcancercampaign.org
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