90% of women 'do not know breast cancer prevention measures'

Each year over a million women are diagnosed with breast cancer, with more than 200,000 going on to die from the condition within five years.

For many, the disease is hereditary and they often have an advance warning, but for all women lifestyle factors also play a role in whether they develop it or not.

According to a new survey by the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, a staggering 90 per cent of women are potentially placing themselves in harm's way by not being clued up on which lifestyle choices can influence the development of the disease.

The organisation commissioned a survey, carried out by YouGov, which polled 1,011 UK women ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

Participants were questioned about issues such as whether they believed breast cancer could be prevented and how their daily routines may influence their chances of developing the condition.

The results showed that only five per cent were aware that maintaining a healthy weight can help to decrease breast cancer risk, whereas just six per cent knew that cutting down or not drinking alcohol can help lower chances of the disease.

Maggie Alexander, director of policy and campaigns at the charity, told cancer cover holders that the survey highlighted a "clear gap" between women's willingness to change their lifestyles to reduce their chances of developing breast cancer and their knowledge about the simple steps they can take to achieve this.

"This Breast Cancer Awareness Month we really want to get the message out there that there are some positive lifestyle choices all women can make to reduce their breast cancer risk - and none of them require a complete lifestyle overhaul," she explained.

Ms Alexander told breast cancer insurance customers that although all the causes of breast cancer are not yet known, it is "vital" that women realise regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing their alcohol intake can play a part in helping reduce the chances of the disease developing.

By James McCann

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