A doctor has warned women over 70 that they are “never too old” to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Women aged 70 or over in Harrow should be more aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and see their GP if they have any concerns, according to a family doctor at Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group.

Research from Public Health England shows that, when asked to name symptoms of breast cancer, only half of women over 70 could name a symptom aside from a lump.

Dr Amol Kelshiker, chair of Harrow CCG said: “You are never too old to get breast cancer and you won’t always spot it first as a lump.

“So many of the new cases we see as GPs are in women over 70, it’s really important to be clear on the signs of cancer.

“The chances of survival are much higher if cancer is spotted early so we’re asking all women over 70 to make sure they can spot the signs of breast cancer.”

One in three women who develop breast cancer are over 70, and catching the disease early is vital.