Extend NHS Breast Screening Programme, Poll Urges

British women have voted in favour of extending the current NHS Breast Screening Programme, according to a MORI poll published today.

More than two-thirds of women want an extension of the NHS Breast Screening Programme's automatic call-up to women aged 65 and over, according to MORI poll figures released today by the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme routinely calls women aged 50-64 for screening every three years. Women over the age of 65 are entitled to screening only on request, despite being at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

The nationwide poll of over 1,000 women is launched at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which this year focuses on older women.

Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer said:

"This poll reflects a major concern of women about breast cancer and their recognition of the importance of screening. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Early diagnosis is vital to improve survival chances for breast cancer and the Screening Programme plays an essential role in this."

"It is illogical to limit the screening programme in this way. The NHS Breast Screening Programme is already saving an estimated 1,250 lives every year - more could be saved by extending the routine call-up service to women aged 65 and over."

"Many women believe that because they are not called up for routine screening, they are no longer at risk from breast cancer - an alarming state of affairs."

Notes

• 80% of breast cancers occur in post-menopausal women.
• The UK has one of the highest mortality rates for breast cancer in the world.
• The NHS Breast Screening Programme was introduced in 1988.
• In October 1998 a working group was set up by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to assess the demands on the breast screening programme and to identify possible means to address the pressures. The CMO and Ministers are currently considering this report and its recommendations.
• Three pilot studies are currently being carried out to assess the impact of extending routine breast screening to women aged 65 to 69 years. These studies are due to finish in 2000. Breakthrough Breast Cancer believes routine breast screening should be extended to all women aged 65 and over.
• A regional breakdown of statistics is available on request.

Technical details

MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,186 women aged 16+ in 155 sampling points throughout the GB. Fieldwork was conducted between 8-12 September 1999, face-to-face and in-home. All data have been weighted to GB population profile.