In England, over 38,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year and, overall, eight out of ten women survive the disease beyond five years. Breast cancer survival has been improving and death rates have fallen in recent decades.Chris Carrigan, head of the NCIN, said: "We know that many cancers are being diagnosed too late in this country, and this study reveals the scale of the challenge for breast cancer in particular.

"More women are surviving breast cancer than ever before and we know that significant improvements in breast cancer treatment are being made. But we still have work to do to emphasise the benefits of early detection."

Professor Sir Mike Richards, national cancer director said: "This is an important new study. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis in achieving the best possible survival rates for women with breast cancer.a

"Survival rates have improved in this country over the past decade, but there is more to be done. Over the coming months we shall be looking at what needs to be done to achieve earlier diagnosis."

Source: Cancer Research UK