Lifestyle warning on breast cancer

Published on Sunday 30 September 2007 01:23

CHANGES in women's lifestyles could prevent one in 10 cases of breast cancer by 2024, according to new research.

Exercising more, keeping a healthy bodyweight and reducing the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), could cut cases by more than 5,300 each year, Cancer Research UK epidemiologist Professor Max Parkin has predicted.

His research, due to be presented to the National Cancer Research Institute's conference in Birmingham tomorrow - the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month - suggested that without these lifestyle changes, the numbers of women diagnosed with breast cancer annually could rise from the current figure of 44,000 to 58,000 by 2024.

Parkin said around 2,100 cases could be prevented each year if the number of women taking HRT, identified as a leading lifestyle risk factor for breast cancer, continued to fall.

Another 1,800 cases a year could be prevented if obesity rates dropped, and a further 1,400 cases if women increased their level of physical activity, he said.

Parkin added that it was important to recognise that an individual's genetic makeup, as well as lifestyle and environmental factors, contributed to their risk of developing the cancer.

"Since breast cancer is predominantly a disease diagnosed in older women, as the population ages so the incidence of breast cancer is set to increase," he said. "If recent trends continue we can calculate that by 2024 there will be nearly 60,000 new cases, compared with the latest figures of 44,000 new cases a year.

"But we also know that a number of lifestyle factors can influence a woman's risk of breast cancer.

"If women begin to make changes in their lifestyle now, then by 2024 one in 10 cases could be prevented," Parkin said.

Reducing alcohol intake, and breast feeding for six months after childbirth could also reduce the risk, he said.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of health information, said: "These calculations show us how lifestyle changes can reduce their risk of breast cancer. But every woman will make choices about their health based on their individual circumstances.

"Leading a healthy life with a good diet, plenty of exercise and drinking a limited amount of alcohol does not guarantee that a person won't get cancer but these healthy habits can help to cut the chances."

Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Institute of Cancer Research are currently investigating the disease with its Breakthrough Generations Study, which will follow 100,000 women over the next 40 years.