
	Pink Links *Click the links below to read more about the subjects quoted from these websites, each of which makes an important contribution into different aspects of breast cancer.*
	"Over 40,700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. It is now the commonest cancer in the UK (excluding non melanoma skin cancer) and by far the most common cancer in women. For women, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is now 1 in 9. Most of the women who get breast cancer are past their menopause, but almost 8,000 diagnosed each year are under 50 years old. About 290 men are also diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Thanks to earlier detection and improved treatments, breast cancer death rates in the UK have fallen by 20 per cent in the last ten years." (Cancer Research UK website) "The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2005, approximately 211,240 women in the United States will be diagnosed invasive breast cancer (Stages I-IV). The chance of developing invasive breast cancer during a woman's lifetime is approximately 1 in 7 (13.4%). Another 58,490 women will be diagnosed with in situ breast cancer, a very early form of the disease. Though much less common, breast cancer also occurs in men. An estimated 1,690 cases will be diagnosed in men in 2005. It is estimated that 40,410 women and 460 men will die from breast cancer in the United States this year. According to the American Cancer Society, the chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 33 (3%). Medical experts attribute the decline in breast cancer deaths to earlier detection and more effective treatments (Imaginis website) "The incidence of breast cancer in Japan is much lower than in the USA or the UK. But the incidence of breast cancer in Japanese women living in the USA is the same as for the general population of American women. To doctors, this implies that the causes of breast cancer are probably more closely related to life style and the environment than they are to our genetic make up." (CancerHelpUK website) "Rates of breast cancer around the world vary a great deal, with industrialized countries generally having higher rates than non-industrialized countries. And, although all the factors responsible for this variation aren’t known, differences between such countries in lifestyle and reproductive factors are thought to play a large role." (Susan G Komen website) Click here to view US and world statistics

	Cancer Research UK is the major supporter of breast cancer research in the UK, with an annual spend of over £20 million. About Breast Cancer Our research covers all aspects of the disease, from its molecular causes to the psychological effects of treatment. Through our research we hope to: • better understand the genetic, hormonal and environmental factors that cause the disease • improve screening and prevention methods and find new ways of detecting breast cancer early • develop new treatments and improve existing ones • improve the quality of life of patients and people at high risk through counselling and other services • provide essential information to cancer patients, their families and carers And our research seems to be working: over the last ten years cancer death rates in the UK have fallen by 21 per cent. It is our aim to keep that figure falling by two per cent each year and keep saving more lives.

	CancerHelp UK gives information about cancer for anyone who has concerns about cancer, principally people with cancer, their relatives and friends. Early Detection Follow the five-point code: 1. know what is normal for you 2. look at and feel your breasts 3. know what changes to look for 4. report any changes without delay 5. go for breast screenings if you are 50 or over. The signs to look out for are: • A lump or thickening • A change in the size or shape of a breast • Dimpling of the skin • A change in the shape of your nipple, particularly if it turns in, sinks into the breast or becomes irregular in shape • A blood-stained discharge from the nipple • A rash on a nipple or surrounding area • A swelling or lump in your armpit Report any of these changes to your doctor without delay. Such changes may have other causes but should always be investigated.

	CancerBACUP's mission is to give cancer patients and their families the up-to-date information, practical advice and support they need to reduce the fear and uncertainty of cancer. Cancer Information Service CancerBACUP's cancer information service - can't find the answers you need? Contact one of our cancer information specialist nurses The emotional effects of cancer Practical advice and guidance on how to cope with the emotional effects of cancer Financial issues Practical advice about financial issues that can affect cancer patients, their families and friends. Talking about your cancer Practical advice and guidance for cancer patients to help them communicate with family, friends, carers and health professionals about emotional and practical issues arising from a diagnosis of cancer and cancer treatment. Talking to children Practical advice and guidance to help parents with cancer talk to their children about their cancer. Talking to someone with cancer Practical advice and guidance for friends, carers and family members to help them talk to their friend or relative with cancer, and provide emotional and practical support.