Published at 13:11, Tuesday, 27 October 2009

AROUND 9,000 women put their health at risk – by not attending breast screening appointments.

Health officials say 78.9 per cent of 42,700 Cumbrian women aged between 50 and 70 attended an appointment in 2007/08.

But NHS Cumbria say this meant around 9,000 women did not attend.

In the same period, 112 Cumbrian women died of breast cancer compared to 10,200 nationally.

Dr Nigel Calvert is NHS Cumbria’s Associate Director of Public Health.

He said: “Breast cancer continues to be one of the biggest cancer killers in women despite the increase in survival rates.

“Even if you do survive there are often major psychological issues which some women may have to overcome.

“This is why it is so vital that we catch it as early as possible.

“I ask that any woman in Cumbria, who gets a letter asking them to attend a screening appointment, does so. You’ll only be invited every three years and those few minutes could save your life.

“In the meantime it’s also important that women regularly check their breasts every month for any changes or unusual lumps. The best time is usually after your monthly period.”

Breast cancer is most common in women aged over 50, but it can happen at any age.

If detected early enough the chance of survival increases.

Now over 80 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive five years later, compared to around 52 per cent in the 1970s.

Although the cause of breast cancer is unknown, factors such as age and a family history of the disease can increase risk.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk