Large decline in UK breast cancer death rates

There has been a significant fall in breast cancer death rates in the UK over the past 20 years, new research shows.

The International Prevention Research Institute in France examined changes in breast cancer mortality rates in 30 European countries from 1980 to 2006.

It was found that between 1989 and 2006, breast cancer mortality decreased by around 30 per cent in the UK – more than in any other major European country.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, the study authors observed that many countries experienced a "sustained decline" in breast cancer mortality after 1999, suggesting this "will continue to decrease beyond 2006".

They also noted that the findings contradict previous studies which concluded that breast cancer survival was worse in the UK than elsewhere in western Europe.

However, studies of survival rates may have been misleading because of shortcomings in the way cancers are registered in the UK, they added.

Maggie Alexander, director of policy at the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, described the findings as "very positive news".

She commented: "Due to increased awareness, better screening and more effective treatments, the UK has seen a dramatic decrease in mortality rates."