Lifestyle link to high breast cancer statistics

By Brandie Umar - Executive Director of Content | August 9th, 2010

Obesity, smoking, alcohol and lack of exercise have all been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund warns that a Western lifestyle, which typically includes the above indulgences, has lead to higher rates of breast cancer in the West -- particularly in the UK. According to the data produced by WCRF, women in the UK are four times higher risk for developing breast cancer than those in less-Westernised countries such as Africa where the breast cancer statistics are up to 4 times lower.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects women of all ages. Women of higher risk are those aged 50+ and women with a family history of cancer as breast cancer can be a hereditory disease; however, one in four women could prevent breast cancer developing by changing lifestyle habits, say doctors at WCRF.

Breast cancer effects over 40,000 women a year in the UK alone. Diagnosed early, the chances of curing breast cancer are high; the later the diagnosis, the more difficult it is to provide a cure. For women over the age of 50 the risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly and all women over the age of 50 are routinely screened for breast cancer with mammogram examinations. Women below the age of 50 are advised to perform a self

-examination for breast cancer at home, contacting their doctor for an examination if a lump or change to the breast is discovered. Mammogram screening for the under-50's is provided if the patient is referred by a doctor.