Breast Cancer Facts
Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide affecting approximately 2.3 million people (2020). In the UK, it remains the most common cancer (15% of all cancers) with 56,000 cancers per year. Currently, it is calculated that almost 1 in 7 women will get breast cancer throughout their lifetime. Around 80% occur in the postmenopausal group (>50 years).
One third of breast cancers may be preventable by lifestyle interventions. Outcomes following a diagnosis of breast cancer are improving with quoted survival rates at 1year (96%), 5 years (85%), 10 years (76%). Approximately 400 males breast cancers are diagnosed in the UK – 1 in 870 men will get breast cancer during their lifetimes.
COVID 19 has had a significant impact on the breast services. During Phase 1 urgent cancer operations were delayed and the National Health Service Screening Programme was suspended. As a result, it is thought that there are 12,000 women living with as yet undiagnosed breast cancer (disruption of breast screening). Modeling suggests that 10,600 fewer breast cancers have started treatment with 20,000 fewer breast assessments in 2020/21.
“I am extremely happy with the results. My back pain has now disappeared. I feel confident in myself and I can also enjoy sports. My scars are very neat and will disappear in time. I went from a J cup to a D cup. I am now in proportion to my body size. It’s the best thing that has happened to me”
