Commenting on new cancer survival rates issued by the Office for National Statistics, Jane Hatfield, Director of Policy and Research at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“It is very encouraging that breast cancer survival rates have continued to improve as a result of efforts across all sectors.

“However, separate research1 has shown that one-year survival rates are lower for women from disadvantaged communities compared to those from affluent groups.

“Additionally, the survival rates in UK women with breast cancer over the age of 75 are much lower compared to other European countries.

“There is an urgent need to tackle these inequalities in survival from breast cancer. Early detection plays a vital role in this, and Breast Cancer Care is working hard to encourage women of all backgrounds and ages to be breast aware and to visit their doctor if they have any signs or symptoms that they are concerned about.”

ENDS

1 – British Journal of Cancer, December 2008: ‘Trends and inequalities in survival for 20 cancers in England and Wales’.

For further media information, please contact
Ian Manley
0207 960 3450/0770 290 1334
ianm@breastcancercare.org.uk

Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affected by breast cancer. We bring people together, provide information and support, and campaign for improved standards of care. We use our understanding of people’s experience of breast cancer and our clinical expertise in everything we do. Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000.