Breast cancer facts

• Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in Ireland, after non-melanoma skin cancer
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Ireland
  • Over 2,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year
• Latest data from the NCRI (National Cancer Registry of Ireland) shows that 2,724 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 (2,696 new cases in females and 28 cases in males)
• Women have a 1 in 10 chance of developing breast cancer during the course of their life time
  • In the last ten years cancer survival rates in Ireland have increased by 30%
• 80.6% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer across all age groups survive for five years or longer (NCRI)
• Early detection is the key to survival
• Most women (70%) with breast cancer discover a change in their breast themselves
• Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by up to 42% by making lifestyle changes such as being more physically active, drinking less alcohol and having a better diet

Important risk factors for developing breast cancer include;

• Getting older, 75% of breast cancer patients are over 50 years old (NCRI 2012) however, the disease can strike younger women too
• Having had breast cancer previously (women who have had     breast cancer have an increased risk of getting breast cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast)
• Experts believe that between 5-10% of breast cancer may be hereditary. Hereditary breast cancer occurs when a faulty gene is passed on from either parent. This greatly increases the likelihood that cancer will develop but people can carry such genes and not develop breast cancer

How you can reduce your risk of breast cancer;

In Ireland it is estimated that about 4 in 10 breast cancer cases are linked to poor lifestyle choices. To reduce your risk of breast cancer you should;

• Be physically active – There is evidence that regular physical activity probably reduces the risk of breast cancer. Be physically active as part of daily life. Aim for 30 mins of moderate physical activity every day.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Being overweight or obese increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, the most common type. Try to limit the amount of weight you gain throughout life, particularly around your waist.
• Drink less alcohol – There is strong evidence that alcoholic drinks are a risk factor for breast cancer and the risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Limit your intake of alcohol – If you do drink, limit consumption to no more than one drink per day.
• Don’t smoke, and if you do plan to quit.

Irish Cancer Society and Breast Cancer

• The Irish Cancer Society is the leading provider of cancer information, advice and support on all aspects of breast cancer
• The Irish Cancer Society encourages all women to be breast aware, to report any changes in their breasts to their GP without delay and to attend for screening between the ages of 50 and 64 years
• If you are concerned about or have been affected by breast cancer call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 or visit www.cancer.ie