The death rate for women with breast cancer in the UK has dropped by 44% over the past 30 years, according to new figures.
Analysis by Cancer Research UK suggests that more than 130,000 UK breast cancer deaths have been avoided in the last three decades.
Deaths from the disease hit a record high in 1989, when about 15,600 women lost their lives to breast cancer. But better tests and treatment, and increasing awareness of the disease, means the death rate for women has fallen.
In 1989, there were 59.8 deaths per 100,000 women, dropping to 33.4 in 2017, which is the most recent data available. In 2016, there were 11,563 deaths from breast cancer in the UK.
Cancer Research UK said improvements in cancer screening, surgery, radiotherapy and new drugs had all made an impact, adding that more cancers were being picked up earlier.
About a quarter of breast cancer cases are diagnosed through the NHS breast screening programme.
The charity’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “These numbers show that research is working, and we should celebrate the considerable progress that’s been made – but while lives are still being lost, our work is not done yet.
“Our ongoing research into the biology of breast cancer is vital. With this increased understanding, we’re developing new life-saving treatments; making them kinder, more effective, and more personalised to individual people.
“Diagnosing cancer early can save lives. If you get to know what’s normal for your body, you’re more likely to notice if something changes and can raise any concerns with your doctor.”
Early signs of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in the breast, but some people experience skin changes, breast pain and nipples changing position or leaking fluid.
