The number of women dying from breast cancer will begin rising for the first time in decades due to unhealthy living, a new report predicts

Following decades of survival progress, the rising incidence of breast cancer is set to see the total number of UK women dying from the disease begin rising again within four years.

The Telegraph reports: 

By 2022, three decades’ of progress cutting the death toll in Britain will be in reverse, despite improvements in medical science, experts have said.

Breast Cancer Now, which led the new research, said that while modern medicine means an individual woman’s chance of beating cancer is getting better, more are developing the disease in the first place due in part to preventable lifestyle factors.

This is threatening an increase in the overall number of deaths.

Approximately 11,400 patients a year currently die from breast cancer that has become incurable by spreading to other parts of the body, compared to 15,625 in 1989.

By 2022, however, the number is projected to have started rising again.

It is believed that around 23 per cent of all breast cancer cases are preventable, and the new report predicts that, unless lifestyle and health services improve, 89,000 women will develop avoidable cases between now and 2028.

The charity also called on the Government to improve the rates of women taking up breast cancer screening services, which are crucial for catching cases early.

The Telegraph

Research Report