Much of the news today about breast cancer is focusing on how successful that screening programme has been but some is looking at the role of lifestyles and awareness - two issues whose importance is not limited to breast cancer. The news is based on a study in the BMJ, and is much more solid than the news yesterday that UK breast cancer rates are four times higher than those in Eastern Africa. That figure is dissected in Dr Chris Hiley's blog.
On BBC News this morning Professor Dame Valerie Beral mentioned the importance of awareness and early presentation before screening in tackling breast cancer. This is not just linked to women and cancer however.
The Forum has long highlighted the shocking difference in cancer rates between men and women. When working with Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Intelligence Network and others, the most likely reason for the difference is thought to be men's tendency to recognise symptoms later and go to their doctor later.
Encouraging men to take more responsibility is a good thing but if we do not also improve awareness of possible cancer symptoms and make primary care more male friendly we will not succeed in reducing men's high rates of cancer.
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