Alongside supporting the national bowel cancer campaign we are also delivering a more local “Be clear on cancer” Breast Cancer in women aged 70 plus campaign across Lancashire and South Cumbria. 1/3 of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 70, this equates to approximately 750 new cases in women over 70 across Cumbria in 2009.  Also more often women over 70 tend to present later with symptoms of breast cancer. As women are not currently routinely invited for breast screening over the age of 70 women may not realise they are still at risk of developing breast cancer.  Over the next few years screening programmes will begin to start inviting women for screening up to the age of 73, however any woman over 70 can request screening every three years.

The key messages from the campaign are if anyone notices any changes to their breast, this may be a lump, dimpling or puckering of the skin, changes in the shape or size of the breast, flaking around the nipple of discharge from the nipple you much go and see your GP. The earlier breast cancer can be diagnosed the more effective treatment can be.

Make sure that you’re constantly ‘breast aware’ – continue to do your personal checks every month regardless of your age and request breast screening.  You are still entitled to receive breast cancer screening every three years and should contact your local breast screening service to make your appointment.

South Lancashire Breast screening- Chorley/ South Ribble and West Lancashire residents- 01942 774752

North Lancashire and South Cumbria breast screening service- 01524 583050

East Lancashire breast screening service- 01282 805301

Other resources:

A5 Leaflet