New statistics show a big increase in the number of cancers detected by breast screening

New statistics show a big increase in the number of cancers detected by breast screening. In 2003/04 over 14% more cancers were detected compared to the previous year with over 11,000 women having breast cancer detected and treated following screening for the disease. Since 2001 the total number of cancers detected through breast screening has risen by nearly a third.

Screening can help cancer be detected and treated earlier which means women can have a much better chance of survival. Of the 11,000 cancers detected last year, nearly half were smaller cancers which could only be picked up through screening.

Health Secretary, John Reid said:

"We know that detecting cancer early helps save lives. Last year, over 11,000 women had breast cancer detected and treated more quickly than they otherwise would have thanks to the NHS breast screening programme. In fact nearly half of these wouldn't have been detected at all without screening. That is why it is so important that women make sure they take up their invitation for breast screening"

These latest figures are further evidence that our NHS breast screening programme is one of the best in the world and is making a real difference to over a million women by giving them peace of mind that they are being checked for this disease every three years".

The increase in the number of cancers being detected by screening is largely due to the introduction of two-view mammography - which involves taking two views of each breast at every screen instead of just at the first. As of December 2004, over 95% of local screening units were using this technique. Investing £11.5 million to extending the breast screening programme to women aged 65-70 coupled with an extra £11.4 million for equipment has also helped to significantly improve the number of cancers picked up.

Julietta Patnick, Director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes said:

"This year's statistics show that women are benefiting from major changes to the breast screening programme. Following the implementation of two-view mammography we are seeing an improvement in the rate of cancer detection. We are also seeing a significant increase in the total numbers of women screened due to the expansion of the programme to regularly invite women up to and including age 70.

"The successful implementation of age extension and two-view mammography are proof of our commitment to continuing to provide women with access to a high quality service and I would strongly urge all women aged 50 and over to attend for regular breast screening every three years".