Thousands of cases of breast cancer could be prevented every year if women drank less alcohol and breastfed more, a major report warns today.
One in four UK cases is due to ‘modifiable risk factors’, which can be reduced through lifestyle changes.
Nearly one in 20 – around 2,600 cases – is linked to low breastfeeding rates and one in 10 to alcohol consumption, according to research by the Lancet Commission.
While “tremendous advances” in research and treatments have reduced mortality rates, bold policy action is now needed to promote better lifestyles, the report said.
Checking your breasts should be part of your monthly routine so that you notice any unusual changes. Simply rub and feel from top to bottom, feeling in semi-circles and in a circular motion around your breast tissue to feel for any abnormalities
Latest figures show there are 55,900 new cases of the disease each year, with around 11,500 deaths.
The Commission, led by the University of Cambridge, studied the diagnosis, treatment and experiences of women diagnosed with the world’s most common cancer.
In high-income countries, including Britain, there were more cases of preventable diseases – caused by factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
Experts estimate that 4.7 percent of cases in Britain are linked to women who do not breastfeed, reducing the risk of disease by four percent for every 12 months they do so.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life.
Yet Britain has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates globally, with only one in 200 women continuing in the past 12 months.
Ministers have been urged to implement policies that encourage breastfeeding, such as providing ‘supportive working environments’ in which mothers can breastfeed or express milk.
Elsewhere, researchers found that those who drink a small glass of wine a day are nine percent more likely to develop breast cancer than non-drinkers, rising to 60 percent among the heaviest drinkers.
Officials should consider warnings about smoking alcohol or follow Scotland’s lead with minimum prices, it suggests, blaming Scotland for around one in 10 cases.
It follows a recent report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggesting that British women are the biggest binge drinkers in the developed world.
One in four regularly drinks more than six drinks in one drinking session, despite the increased risk of heart disease, stroke, cirrhosis and certain cancers.
Between eight and 13 percent of breast cancer cases in Britain are due to obesity, the Commission found, which increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Symptoms of breast cancer to look out for include lumps and swellings, dimpling of the skin, color changes, discharge and rash or crusting around the nipple
The rate of breast cancer attributable to hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraceptives in Britain is 2.1 percent and 0.8 percent respectively, it added.
Dr. Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influence at Breast Cancer Now, said several factors – including genetics, lifestyle and environment – play a role.
He said: ‘Although we cannot predict who will get breast cancer, we know that prevention is our best weapon against the disease and that people can do a number of things to reduce their risk of getting the disease.
‘The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission report highlights that many cases of breast cancer are preventable, but not enough people are aware of modifiable risk factors and the steps they can take to minimize their chance of developing the disease.
‘This includes reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active.
‘It is vital that women are supported to make healthy lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact on their health and help reduce the risk of breast cancer.’