As members of a new alliance, the Breast Cancer Forum, which brings together the UK's leading breast cancer and cancer charities to promote consistent educational messages for October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, working together with the NHS Breast Screening Programme, we would like to send a message to your readers.
Many people are not aware that women most at risk from breast cancer are over the age of 65 and that approximately 80% of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50.
It is also the case that women in this age group appear to underestimate their risk of breast cancer, which is a concern to those of us wishing to promote early diagnosis.
Therefore, we would urge older women to go for screening.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme is estimated to save around 1,250 lives a year. If you are aged between 50 and 64, you will be offered a mammogram every three years. Screening is also available on request to women over 65. Please do not ignore these offers of screening. Early detection and treatment helps to save lives.
BREAST CANCER FORUM.