Women in Brent age over 70 are being urged to be more aware of the symptoms of breast cancer after research shows only half knew more than one.

According to date from Public Health England, when asked to name symptoms of breast cancer just 48 per cent women over 70 could name another one aside from a lump.

One in three women who develop breast cancer are over 70, and catching the disease early is vital as at the earliest stage93 per cent will survive for at least five years.

However this plummets to just 13 per cent if the diagnosis is made at a more advanced stage.

Dr Ethie Kong, chair of Brent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

“You are never too old to get breast cancer and you won’t always spot it first as a lump.

“So many of the new cases we see as GPs are in women over 70, it’s really important to be clear on the signs of cancer.

“The chances of survival are much higher if cancer is spotted early so we’re asking all women over 70 to make sure they can spot the signs of breast cancer.”

As a lump is not the only sign of breast cancer it is important to tell your doctor immediately if you notice any changes to your breasts.