Deaths from breast cancer in the United Kingdom have fallen to a historic low, with rates plummeting by a remarkable 16% over the past ten years, new analysis shows.
Experts describe the reduction as 'fantastic', driven by significant progress in diagnosing the disease earlier and developing more effective treatments. Despite this encouraging trend, breast cancer remains the second biggest cause of cancer death in women, behind lung cancer.
A Dramatic Decline Over Decades
The long-term picture reveals even more substantial gains. Since the 1970s, mortality from breast cancer has fallen by a staggering 41 per cent. This means the current rate stands at approximately 30 deaths per 100,000 people, a dramatic improvement from 52 per 100,000 recorded in 1971.
Cancer Research UK, the charity behind the analysis, attributes this success to major advancements in healthcare. More accurate and less invasive screening techniques are catching tumours sooner, while breakthrough drugs developed with the charity's support are transforming outcomes.
'Drugs like tamoxifen, anastrozole and Herceptin have also transformed survival and prevention for breast cancer,' said Sophie Brooks, health information manager at Cancer Research UK.
The Critical Role of Early Detection and Remaining Challenges
Early diagnosis is paramount. When breast cancer is caught at stage one, while still localised, 98 out of 100 patients survive for at least five years. This survival rate plummets to just 27 in 100 when the disease is detected at stage four, after it has spread.
However, a major obstacle persists. Latest figures indicate that around one in three eligible women in England – nearly 2 million people – are not up to date with their NHS breast screening invitations. This means many cancers are likely going undetected until a later, more dangerous stage.
The NHS breast screening programme is offered to women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday, with invitations sent automatically every three years.
How to Drive Rates Down Further
Experts insist there is considerable scope to save even more lives. Key actions include:
- Increasing uptake of screening by breaking down barriers that prevent women from attending.
- Promoting healthier lifestyles, such as reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Encouraging prompt medical consultation for any unusual changes.
'It probably won't be breast cancer, but if it is, spotting it at an early stage means that treatment is more likely to be successful,' advised Sophie Brooks.
While celebrating the record low mortality rates, the message from health professionals is clear: sustained progress requires continued investment in research, public health initiatives, and ensuring everyone accesses the life-saving screening available.
