HEALTH chiefs in East Lancashire are backing a new campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer in older women.

Public Health England’s Be Clear On Cancer is targeting the over-70s, who make up a third of those diagnosed in the UK each year.

Research has also highlighted that less than half of that age group are aware of minor symptoms.

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Julie Iddon, consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon for East Lancashire NHS Trust, said: “We give our full support to the new Be Clear On Cancer campaign.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in England and in 2013 alone 170 women in Lancashire aged over 70 were diagnosed — so do not assume you are past it.

“Women need to know that finding breast cancer early makes it more treatable and could save your life.

“Possible signs include a lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, nipple changes, changes to the skin of the breast, changes in the shape or size of the breast and pain in the breast.”

National figures show that around 9,500 women die from breast cancer each year — and more than half of these are women aged 70 and over.

Russ McLean, chairman of the Pennine Lancashire Patient Voices Group, said: “Breast cancer is a despicable and deplorable disease and I am urging women to get checked out.

“I would like to see the government extend screening on a rolling programme to anyone from 18 to 90.”

Despite older women being at an increased risk, they are also more likely to delay going to their GP with symptoms.

The campaign is spreading the message Don’t Assume You’re Past It, urging older women to visit their doctor straight away if they notice any changes.

Mr McLean said: “This is an issue that is very personal and there is perhaps a perceived loss of dignity with ladies in their senior years.

“But I would like to assure them that GPs are extremely quali- fied to carry out these examinations.

“And if you feel embarrassed about this being done by a male doctor, it is your right to see a female member of staff.”