One in 3 women diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year are aged 70 or over, a Public Health England campaign has warned.
In response to the findings, the organisation has launched a ‘Be Clear on Cancer' campaign to remind older women ‘don't assume you're past it', and to visit their doctor if they spot any changes in their breasts.
More than 13,000 women over 70 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, accounting for more than half of all breast cancer deaths.
Two thirds of women aged 70 and over (67%) wrongly think women of all ages are equally likely to get breast cancer. A woman's risk of breast cancer increases with age.
Around 13,500 women aged 70 and over are diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year, yet survival rates are lower in this age group compared to younger women, Public Health England said.
Lack of awareness of symptoms other than a lump, such as changes in the shape or size of the breast, is believed to be one of the reasons for this, which the campaign aims to change.
The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival - more than 90% of all women diagnosed with the earliest stage survive for at least 5 years. This figure is around 15% for women diagnosed at a late stage.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director at Public Health England, said: "Research shows that women over 70 have low awareness of breast cancer symptoms, other than a lump. They're also more likely to delay presenting to their GP with breast cancer, which could ultimately affect their chance of survival."
