Breast cancer diagnoses and deaths will surge worldwide by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation.

Consultant medical oncologist Professor Janice Walshe told Newstalk Breakfast that medical professionals are not surprised by this news.

“We have seen, since we started gathering information on cancer cases in Ireland, particularly with breast cancer, about two to four per cent increase in the incidence of breast cancer,” she said.

“We’re now at sitting about 3,300 in excess of that per year.

“When I came back from the States we would have had about 2,700, which was back in 2006, so we know that the incidence is increasing.”

Woman performing a self breast examination. Image: Alamy

Prof Walshe said this issue is “multifactorial”.

“One, we’re living longer, which is wonderful, but we know that cancer is a disease of increasing age” she said.

“As things stand as women in Ireland, we have a one-in-seven lifetime risk of developing this disease.

“The other thing is we have a very good breast screening program, breast check – and I’d be encouraging everyone over 50 to engage in that.”

Improved detection rates

According to Prof Walshe, detection rates have improved as a result of this screening program, as well as an increased awareness of the disease.

“Then, I suppose the big issue and the one that we would feel that needs to be tackled is the fact that we have much higher levels of our known risk factors,” she said.

Prof Walshe said that an "increasing problem with weight and obesity" is one of the main factors.

“We have a more sedentary lifestyle than we had in the past and, certainly in my clinics, I’ll be encouraging my patients to be exercising every day," she said.

“Then the third big one is high alcohol intake, that is really directly related to breast cancer.”

Group of happy and cheerful caucasian people women have fun all together drinking and toasting with red wine - friendship and holiday celebration concept with adult females

Prof Walshe said that breast cancer screening needs “constant investment”.

“I think we are responding to it insofar as the breast check program; the age extension has now happened up to 69,” she said.

“So, we’re screening older women, and more women, which is absolutely right; this needs constant investment.

“And I suppose, as I said on the side, we need to focus on primary prevention – so all of those lifestyle factors that I’ve discussed.”

Prof Walshe said that 25-30% of breast cancer would disappear if we could control these lifestyle factors.

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