One in four cases of breast cancer 'are preventable': Major reports concludes ... trends now
Thousands of breast cancer cases could be prevented each year if women drank less alcohol and breastfed more, a major report warns today.
One on four UK cases are down to 'modifiable risk factors', which could be reduced with lifestyle changes.
Almost one in 20 – around 2,600 cases - are linked to low breastfeeding rates and one in 10 to alcohol consumption , according to research by the Lancet Commission.
While 'tremendous advances' in research and treatments have slashed death rates, bold policy actions are now needed to promote better lifestyles, it said.
Checking your breasts should be part of your monthly routine so you notice any unusual changes. Simply, rub and feel from top to bottom, feel in semi-circles and in a circular motion around your breast tissue to feel for any abnormalities
Latest figures show there are 55,900 new cases of the disease each year, with around 11,500 deaths.
The Commission, led by the University of Cambridge, studied the diagnosis, treatment and experiences of women diagnosed with the most common cancer in the world.
In high income countries including the UK, there were more cases of preventable disease — triggered by factors such as sedentary lifestyles and obesity.
Experts estimate 4.7 per cent of UK cases are linked to women not breastfeeding, which is known to lower the risk of disease by four per cent for every 12 months spent doing it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life.
Yet the UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates globally with only around one in 200 women continuing past 12 months.
Ministers have
