The Effect of the NHS Breast Screening Programme on Breast Cancer Mortality in England and Wales, 1990-1998: Statement

Published 15th September, 2000

Julietta Patnick, National Coordinator of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes said:

"This is welcome evidence that proves that the breast screening programme saves women's lives in the UK. This research confirms that we are on the way to a 25 per cent reduction in mortality from breast cancer, and we are confident that we will reach our target. Indeed, we are now detecting more small cancers than ever before - cancers impossible to feel with the human hand. This makes earlier and less drastic treatment possible, and gives women a greater chance of survival."

"In 1997/98 we screened more than one and a quarter million women, and detected nearly eight thousand cancers. We are proud of the breast screening programme and it's international reputation, and are looking forward to extending the invitations for screening to 65-70 year old women and to introducing double-view mammography to all screening rounds in the future."