Marcia Dixon, Reverend Marlene and Davinia from Breast Cancer Care
New Testament Assembly Church in Leytonstone hosted its first Be Clear on Cancer awareness event last Saturday, to highlight that early diagnosis of breast cancer can save lives even in women aged 70 and over.
Surprisingly, two thirds of women aged 70 and over (67 per cent) wrongly think women of all ages are equally likely to get breast cancer, when in fact a woman’s risk of breast cancer increases with age. In fact, one third of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 70.
Research shows that older women, particularly from black African and Caribbean communities are more likely to delay presenting to their GP with breast cancer. They might be embarrassed, afraid of treatment or dismiss potential symptoms as a sign of ageing. This combined with cultural taboos and low levels of awareness and understanding of the signs and symptoms can reduce their chances of early diagnosis and survival.
The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign encourages women from black African and Caribbean communities to know the signs and symptoms, talk to their daughters or grand-daughters and visit their doctor if they spot any changes in their breasts.
Davinia Green, Breast Health Promotion Manager at Breast Cancer Care, spoke to members of the community about the importance of being breast aware; and fears and cultural barriers that may exist. She said: “We know that many older women don’t feel confident about noticing changes in their breasts.
“By holding community events like this and sharing information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, we want to help women feel more comfortable about being breast aware and talking about any concerns.
“The most important thing to do is look at and feel your breasts regularly to get to know what’s normal for you. It’s then much easier to notice if something isn’t right. Most changes won’t turn out to be breast cancer, but don’t be scared of talking to your GP or delay going, as the sooner the diagnosis, the more effective treatment may be.”
Reverend Marlene Greaves of the New Testament Assembly church Leyton said: "The Be Clear on Cancer event provided a great opportunity to reduce ignorance around the issue of cancer. I believe it left the women with a greater sense of responsibility towards themselves and the women in their lives, to talk openly about breast health. Our aim was to apply practical wisdom to faith, and give the women enough information to make informed choices around their health. I'd say the event helped us to achieve this."
Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in England with around 41,500 women diagnosed each year. More than 13,500 women aged 70 and over are diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year, and around 5,400 women in this age group die from the disease annually
Possible signs of breast cancer include:
- A lump in your breast or armpit
- Nipple changes
- Changes to the skin of your breast
- Changes in the shape or size of your breast
- Pain in your breast or armpit
For more information on breast cancer in women over 70, please visit www.nhs.uk/breastcancer70