Breast cancer kills more in west London

Women in parts of the South-East are more likely to die from breast cancer than those living anywhere else in the country.

Figures published today reveal the disease is fatal for 33 women in every 100,000 in outer London, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

A "postcode lottery" also exists in the capital for breast cancer rates with significant variations. More women - nearly 29 in every 100,000 - die from the disease in parts of west London, including Harrow and Hammersmith, than in areas such as Dulwich, Lewisham and Redbridge, where the rate is 26.5 per 100,000.

Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Professor Mike Richards, government cancer czar, said wealth could be a factor in breast cancer death rates. Wealthier women were more likely to have babies later, putting them at slightly greater risk, and to attend screenings.

The findings are based on research by the National Cancer Intelligence Network, which analysed 2005 cancer rates.