Low Take-up of NHS Scans Puts Hundreds of Lives at Risk
According to a recent report by Breast Cancer Now, a third of women in the UK did not attend breast cancer screenings last year, leading to the potential detection of hundreds of missed tumors. The charity expressed concern over the alarmingly low participation rate in the free NHS scans, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Only 65% of Invitations Accepted in 2022-23
The figures released by Breast Cancer Now reveal that only 65% of invitations for breast cancer screenings were accepted by women over the age of 50 in England during the 2022-23 period. Out of 2.98 million invitations sent out, only 1.93 million women attended the screenings. While this is higher than the record low of 62% in 2020, it is still lower than pre-pandemic years.
Failure to Meet NHS Target for Four Years
Uptake of breast cancer screenings has consistently fallen below the NHS target of 70% for the past four years. Breast Cancer Now estimates that thousands of cancer cases have been missed as a result. The charity further highlights that if the 70% target had been met, an additional 1,311 cancer cases would have been detected. If uptake had reached 80%, the number of cases detected would have increased by 3,758.
Government Urged to Take Action
Baroness Delyth Morgan, CEO of Breast Cancer Now, expressed disappointment in the government's lack of action to boost screening attendance. She stressed the urgent need for more eligible women to be screened and for screening units to receive greater support in reaching more women. The charity believes that increasing screening attendance could save more lives from the disease.
Early Detection is Key
Dr. Louise Wilkinson, NHS advisor for breast screening, emphasized the importance of early detection in increasing the chances of successful treatment. Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK, with 56,000 cases and 12,000 deaths reported each year. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve outcomes and save lives.
Call to Action from Health Minister
Health Minister Maria Caulfield urged women to come forward for breast screenings when invited, emphasizing the life-saving potential of early cancer diagnosis. While screening rates are rising, Caulfield acknowledged that there are still too many women missing out on this crucial preventive measure. She urged all women receiving an invitation to book a check-up, highlighting the potential lifesaving impact it could have.
