Many Women In U.K. Lack Knowledge Of Breast Cancer Symptoms, Survey Suggests

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Breakthrough Breast Cancer is calling on general practitioners in the country to help eliminate the confusion about breast cancer symptoms and increase detection rates, BBC News reports. The survey found that half of women age 70 and older were unaware that they could continue to receive no-cost breast screening by making their own appointments through their doctor or local breast screening facility. About 88% of women in the age group reported that since turning 70 their doctors or surgeons had not discussed this option with them.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said, "It's clear that despite breast cancer now being the most common cancer in the United Kingdom, women remain extremely confused about what they should be looking out for, with their focus still very much on feeling for breast lumps." He added that the group would like to see more practitioners making patients ages 70 and older "aware that they can, and should, make their own regular breast screening appointments." Hughes said that it is "important to remember that the earlier breast cancer is detected and treated the better the chances of survival" (BBC News, 9/20).

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