Record numbers beating breast cancer in the UK

More than 130,000 UK breast cancer deaths have been avoided in the last 30 years*, according to new Cancer Research UK analysis to mark breast cancer awareness month.

Breast cancer deaths in the UK hit a record high in 1989, when around 15,600 women lost their lives to the disease – but thanks to research developing new tests and better treatments, the death rate for women has since fallen by 44%.

This considerable drop is due to major advances in diagnosis and treatment. In the last three decades, we have seen improvements in surgical techniques and use of radiotherapy, new drugs being made available**, and the impact of the national breast screening programme.

Research has also helped highlight the importance of diagnosing cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. 98% of women whose breast cancer is caught at the earliest stage survive their disease for at least 5 years, but for those diagnosed at the most advanced stage this drops to around a quarter (26%)***.

Devon mum-of-two Deborah Huggons, 62, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 after she felt a lump in her breast. Tests showed that she needed a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy, as well as hormonal therapy Tamoxifen to reduce the risk of her cancer coming back.

“I had no history of breast cancer in the family and my diagnosis had such an effect on me, my friends and family,” Deborah said. “I did not find chemotherapy easy, but I didn’t let it beat me. Early diagnosis is key and I really want to help get that message across; I’m very breast aware now and keen to help others.”

Around a quarter of breast cancer cases are diagnosed through the NHS breast screening programme****, but most people – like Deborah – are diagnosed from spotting the signs and going to their GP. Public awareness of early symptoms has increased, thanks in part to campaigns such as The Lump and Be Clear on Cancer*****.

But there’s still a way to go. Research happening right now is focused on helping the one in five women whose cancers are still incurable. Every year in the UK, breast cancer claims around 11,400 lives and around 55,200 new cases are diagnosed******.

Studies like Cancer Research UK’s Personalised Breast Cancer Programme are investigating personalised treatment options for women based on the genetic makeup of their tumour. And the charity’s work developing blood tests for breast cancer may help doctors track how well treatments are working, and even predict if someone’s cancer could come back and spread.

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “These numbers show that research is working, and we should celebrate the considerable progress that’s been made – but while lives are still being lost, our work is not done yet.

“Our ongoing research into the biology of breast cancer is vital. With this increased understanding, we’re developing new life-saving treatments; making them kinder, more effective, and more personalised to individual people.

“Diagnosing cancer early can save lives. If you get to know what’s normal for your body, you’re more likely to notice if something changes and can raise any concerns with your doctor.”

The first sign of breast cancer most people notice is a lump or thickening in their breast, but early symptoms can also include skin changes, breast pain and nipples changing position or leaking fluid. For more information visit cruk.org.uk/breastcancer.