Woman from Essex urges over-70s to self-refer for mammograms

Sam Robinson, from the Norfolk-based cancer charity Big C and who was previously a breast cancer nurse, said there were several reasons why routine breast screening stops after 70.

“There could be other health problems that patients have. The treatments could be detrimental to their health… that is research-based, so that’s the reason why it stops for over 70s.”

NHS England said the risk of overdiagnosis increases with age, external, meaning some cancers detected may never cause harm.

“It’s more likely that someone in their older years will die with breast cancer rather than from breast cancer,” Robinson said.

However, she said screening remained important, particularly if women noticed changes or were otherwise concerned.

She explained that for routine mammograms every three years, those over 70 could contact their local breast screening unit direct, or their GP if they noticed changes.

“If people aren’t going for screening, something could easily be missed.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Decisions regarding screening for breast cancer are made based on the best available evidence, with the independent UK National Screening Committee keeping all programmes under careful review.”

Cancer Research UK and AgeX are supporting a UK trial to examine the risks and benefits of extending screening to women , externalaged between 47 to 49 and 71 to 73.

A report is expected to be published in 2027.

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