Breast Cancer Now Most Common Cancer in UK

Breast cancer has now passed lung cancer as the most common form of cancer in the United Kingdom, according to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.

The overall decline in lung cancer reflects the drop in the number of smokers over the past 50 year, but researchers are less clear on why there continues to be a steady rise in the number of breast cancer cases.

"A number of lifestyle factors may be contributing to breast cancer trends. For example, more British women are choosing to have their children later in life and doctors are reporting an increase in obesity and in post-menopausal women this may is a risk factor," said Paul Nurse, Director General of ICRF.

"I wish I could offer a magic formula for preventing breast cancer, but unfortunately there isn't one," said professor Gordon McVie, Director General of the Cancer Research Campaign. "However, by being breast aware and going for screening, it's more likely that the disease will be detected early when there is a 90 percent chance of survival."

Other Sources: Cancer Research Campaign