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% 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."

Notes for editors:

1. It is estimated that we should see the full effects of the national breast screening programme over the 10 years between 2000 and 2010.

2. The net effect of screening plus contributions from other factors including treatment could see the mortality rate in the year 2010 in women aged 55-69 at about half that of the rate in 1990.

3. In 1997/98:

• The programme detected 7,932 cancers - an increase of 11% on 1996/97

• 3,381 cancers smaller than 15mm were detected - an increase of 7 per cent on 1996/97. Cancers smaller than 15mm are impossible to feel with the human hand, and detecting these cancers through screening allows women to be treated earlier, with less radical treatments and gives them a greater chance of survival.

• 1,718 cancers were detected in situ (those that have not yet spread beyond the breast ducts) representing an increase of 20% on 1996/97. Detecting these cancers in situ significantly increases the rate of cure. Should the cancers be left, most might be expected to become fully invasive cancers.