Simple procedure: early detection of breast cancers through NHS screening saves lives
The NHS in London is encouraging more women to attend potentially life-saving breast screening appointments, as national figures show almost half – 46.3% – of women invited for the first time don’t act on their invitation.
Around 400,000 women are invited for breast screening in London every year. Following a decline in screening rates as a result of the pandemic, attendance has increased by 10% (55.4 to 64.8%) over the last two years.
But that still means that 1-in-3 women in London still do not attend their breast screening appointment. In fact, London has the lowest breast screening uptake rates in the country.
There are significant inequalities in screening uptake, with women from minoritised groups, those who live in deprived areas and those who do not speak English as a first language less likely to attend.
A senior radiographer specialising in breast imaging (mammographer) for the NHS in London said: “I’ve seen first-hand how life-saving breast screening can be, but a lot of women don’t know what to expect when they come for their first breast screening appointment.
“It’s only natural to feel a bit anxious – but the service is run by all-female mammographers who do this countless times and are trained to help people feel more at ease.
“The whole process takes just a few minutes and most women feel relieved and reassured to have got it done. If breast cancer is found, detecting it early can be lifesaving. But more likely, your screening results will be clear and it will put your mind at rest.”
Every year, more than 2,000 women in London have breast cancer detected through screening. Most of these cancers are detected early when they are easier to treat.
The latest campaign comes as a survey of 2,000 women showed that almost 40% rarely or never talk about breast screening with their female friends and families, and almost a quarter (24%) of women said they wouldn’t attend if they didn’t already have symptoms such as a lump.
Women registered with a GP will be automatically invited for NHS breast screening for the first time between the ages of 50 and 53, then every three years until their 71st birthday.
The NHS is diagnosing more people than ever before with early-stage cancer, when it is more treatable. Latest monthly figures show the NHS met the cancer faster diagnosis standard again, with 77% of people getting the all-clear or a cancer diagnosis within four weeks.
If you live in London and need to change your appointment or missed your last one, call 020 3758 2024 or visit Breastscreening
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