Thousands of Breast Cancer Cases Missed by NHS Screening, Campaigners Warn

Hard-to-Detect Tumours

Campaigners are warning that thousands of breast cancer cases are being missed by NHS screenings due to hard-to-detect tumours. According to the campaigners, around 15% of women, more than 8,000 a year, develop invasive lobular breast cancer. However, mammograms are estimated to detect only three out of ten cases because this type of cancer grows in strings, like spider webs, rather than lumps.

Call for More Research

Dr Susan Michaelis and Tristan Loraine, a husband and wife team, are leading the charge for more research into better screening methods. Dr Michaelis, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, shared her personal experience: "I went for my mammograms year after year and was missed. Eventually, I developed a spot and insisted it was looked at. The doctor then informed me that my cancer had probably been growing for years. Only around 40 to 50% of cases are being picked up by screening, so early diagnosis is crucial."

Lobular Moon Shot Campaign

Tory MP Dehenna Davison is backing the Lobular Moon Shot campaign, led by Dr Michaelis and Mr. Loraine. They recently delivered a petition for more funding to 10 Downing Street. The Department of Health has responded, stating: "We are taking steps to convene experts and establish a plan of action."