14.07.15
PHE launches breast cancer awareness campaign
Public Health England (PHE) has launched a nationwide ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ eight-week campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer in women aged 70 and over.
Low awareness of breast cancer symptoms is putting the health of women amongst this age group at risk, with research showing only half of them could name a symptom apart from a lump.
Older women are also more likely to delay going to a GP with breast cancer symptoms. Because of this, this year’s campaign will reinforce the message ‘don’t assume you’re past it’, urging older women to go to the hospital if they notice any unusual changes to their breasts.
The campaign was first launched last year, with research showing it successfully raised awareness that the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
The refresher campaign was launched yesterday (13 July), and Dr Jenny Harried, PHE regional director, noted that there was a 25% increase in the number of breast cancers diagnosed via an urgent GP referral when comparing figures for the first campaign with the same period two years earlier.
Sean Duffy, National Clinic Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: “Patients with possible early signs and symptoms should visit their GP so where necessary they can be referred for tests, and treatment can start quickly.
“Early diagnosis is a key focus for us and will form part of the NHS’s new plan for cancer, currently being developed by an independent taskforce.”