WOMEN across the Bradford district aged 70 and over are the target of a new campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of breast cancer.

'Be Clear on Cancer', launched today by Public Health England in partnership with the Department of Health and NHS England, aims to educate women on the lesser-known symptoms of the condition other than finding a lump. Approximately 30 per cent of all women diagnosed with breast cancer report a symptom other than a lump, but only 48 per cent of women over 70 could name an additional symptom.

Toni Williams, public health consultant for Bradford Council, said: "A third of women who get breast cancer are over 70, so don’t assume you’re no longer at risk.

"A lump isn’t the only sign of breast cancer. If you notice any changes to your breasts, tell your doctor straight away.

"This includes changes to the shape, size or skin of your breast or nipple, discharge from your breast, or pain or a thickening around your breast or armpit.

"Finding breast cancer early is crucial as it is more treatable and treatment is more likely to be successful. Being aware of these symptoms could save your life."

Around 1,300 women aged 70 and over across Yorkshire and the Humber are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and 48 out of the 79 people who died from breast cancer across the Bradford district in 2013, the latest figures available, were over 70.

Dr Ian Fenwick, the district’s clinical lead for cancer, said: "Breast cancer screening saves lives, whatever age women may be, by finding cancers at an early stage when they are too small to see or feel.

"The older women are, the more likely they are to get breast cancer. One in three women who get it are aged 70 and over, but if it’s detected early, it’s more treatable.

"People of all ages in the district have access to a range of high-quality cancer services which are provided by specialist healthcare professionals.

"But, while our local cancer survival rates for patients are good, it is always important for everyone to be aware of any unusual symptoms and get them checked out by their GP, and to take up any screening invites they receive from the NHS."

Nationally, around 9,500 women die from breast cancer every year, with more than half, around 5,400, aged 70 and over.

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/breastcancer.