Breast cancer cases hit a new record of 36,939 in the United Kingdom in 2004, representing an 81-percent increase in the incidence of the cancer since 1971, official figures show.

The age-standardized incidence in 2004 was 120.8 per 100,000 people, the highest figure on record, up from 66.9 in 1971, the daily newspaper The Independent reported on Friday, quoting the annual statistical report issued by the Office for National Statistics.

The relentless upward trend in breast cancer, the commonest cancer in the UK, is driven by increasing prosperity and the nature of modern lifestyles, accounting for one in three of all newly diagnosed cases of cancer in females.

Breast cancer is increasing in every age group. Among those aged 20 to 34, the disease, though rare, increased by 50 percent in the three decades from 1971 to 2001. In the 45 to 49 age group it rose by 41 percent over the same period. The biggest increases have appeared in the 50 to 64 age group, in which the incidence has more than doubled after introduction of breast-screening which detects tumors too small to be picked up by a doctor performing a clinical examination.

The rise in breast cancer, seen in all developed countries, is linked with exposure to the female hormone oestrogen, influenced by changes in reproduction and diet.

Improved nutrition has meant girls go through puberty and start their periods earlier, while women reach menopause later.

Economic progress has led to smaller families, delayed childbirth and less breastfeeding as women have gone out to work.

Having fewer children before the age of 30, early menarche, late menopause and being obese or overweight after menopause are said to be all factors behind the increase.

Better diagnosis through screening and the improved recording of cases in local cancer registries has also contributed to the statistical increase.

The charity group Breast Cancer UK has demanded action to halt the rise in the disease, according to the report.

Source: Xinhua