Why we screen

One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life. 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. The risk of breast cancer rises as women get older. This is why the breast screening programme only targets women in this age group.

Breast Screening can help to find small changes in the breast before there are any other signs or symptoms. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment. The latest research shows that the NHS Breast Screening Programme is now saving over 1400 lives every year in England.

The aim of the NHS Breast Screening Programme is to reduce the number of breast cancer deaths in the UK.

However, there are alternative views about Breast Screening. Please see our useful sites page for further information.