Women must be made aware of the risk factors for breast cancer as the number of cases detected continues to increase, Action Breast Cancer warned today.
Action Breast Cancer said all women should be aware of factors, including getting older and a significant history of it in the family, to improve their chances of catching the disease early.
The latest available information from the National Cancer Registry shows there were 2,285 new cases of breast cancer in 2004. This is forecast to rise to 4,700 cases by 2020 - which would represent a 105 per cent increase.
Around 650 women die from breast cancer every year in Ireland.
Dr Patricia Fitzpatrick, epidemiologist with BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, said the Breast Cancer Awareness Month was being held to properly inform people on the disease.
"A risk factor for breast cancer is anything that increases your chance of getting the disease. However, having a risk factor does not necessarily mean you will get breast cancer," Dr Fitzpatrick said.
One of the important risk factors is age, as 78 per cent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over 50-years of age. A family history of the disease can also be relevant as studies have suggested 5 per cent to 10 per cent of breast cancer cases are hereditary as a result of gene changes.
Women who have had breast cancer have an increased risk of getting breast cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast.
Other risk factors include starting periods early or having a late menopause, having no children or having them late in life, not breastfeeding, a history of benign breast lumps and taking large doses of hormone replacement therapy.
It is also believed alcohol intake can have an effect, as can being overweight, not engaging in exercise and smoking.
Action Breast Cancer said there must be an increase in screening of women aged over 50 and those at high risk, as well as expanded treatment services.
The Breast Cancer Awareness Month involves a campaign including radio, press and outdoor advertising during September. The body will be visiting 16 locations across the country to give out information on breast cancer.
PA