Lifestyle advice a ‘trigger’ at breast clinics

Breast screening clinics could act as ‘trigger’ for major lifestyle changes, according to research by Dundee University

A study found using breast screening clinics to introduce lifestyle advice could improve women’s health, with obesity a factor in getting the disease.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide with 55,000 women in the UK are given the devastating diagnosis each year In Scotland, the disease accounts for 29% of all cancers diagnosed.

Obesity is a known cause of breast cancer and experts believe expanding the initiative could reduce rates of cancer and other obesity-related diseases.

The ActWELL initiative was introduced for women attending regular NHS breast screening appointments.

After 12 months, participants reduced their weight by an average of 2.5kg.

Experts used a randomised trial with 560 women aged between 50 and 70 who attended four NHS Breast Screening Centres.

Volunteers were divided into two groups, with 278 taking part in the lifestyle programme and a further 281 in a comparison group who received standard care.

Professor Annie Anderson, from Dundee’s School of Medicine, said: “Our study has shown that structured guidance on physical activity and diet using important techniques from health psychology could have a major effect on breast cancer risk.

“Promoting heathier lifestyle options at a time when women are attending breast screening appointments could be the reminder that triggers many into adopting habits that could potentially save lives.”