Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK after non-melanoma skin cancer and over 44,100 new cases are diagnosed every year.

Breast cancer claims the lives of 12,500 women each year in the UK. Men can also get breast cancer but it is rare (around 335 cases are diagnosed each year).

The good news is, thanks to earlier detection and improved treatment , breast cancer death rates in the UK have fallen by a fifth over the last ten years. Of those women diagnosed with breast cancer today, two-thirds are likely to survive for at least 20 years.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can find more detailed information on our patient information site, CancerHelp UK.

Reducing your risk of breast cancer

The risk of developing breast cancer is strongly linked to age – nearly three-quarters of cases occur in women over 65. But some aspects of your lifestyle also affect your risk.

Being overweight after the menopause for example, can increase a woman's risk of breast cancer. So try to maintain a healthy body weight by combining a balanced, low fat diet with regular exercise.

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, so try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink each day. And there is also a link between leading an inactive lifestyle and an increased breast cancer risk.

Stay breast aware

A woman's breasts will change in size and shape at different times in her life and during the menstrual cycle. Knowing what your breasts feel like at different times of the month can help you notice any changes. So you should get into the habit of checking your breasts regularly.

It is important to be breast aware (PDF, 48KB) and you should tell your doctor if you notice any changes in the look or feel of a breast. Be sure to attend breast screenings whenever you are invited. You can still ask for breast screening after the age of 70, just phone or write to your local breast screening unit or GP.

If you are worried about having a family history of breast cancer, you can speak to your GP about a referral to a breast clinic.

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