Breast Cancer Care: Comment on the NHS Breast Screening Programme Annual Review 2009

Olivia Marks-Woldman, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“It is extremely encouraging to see a significant increase in the number of women accepting their invitations to breast screening.

“However, the Review reveals worrying national inequalities in breast screening uptake, suggesting that women from affluent backgrounds are more likely to attend than those from lower socioeconomic groups. The NHS Breast Screening Programme should continue to work with community groups and charities to encourage women from lower socioeconomic groups to accept their screening invite.

“In addition, it is essential that the NHS Breast Screening Programme continues to extend the screening age by three years at either end of the current range and ensures that resources, including digital mammography, are made available so this can be achieved by 2012, as pledged in the Cancer Reform Strategy.”

ENDS

For further media information, please contact

Laura Grossart

0207 960 3473/ 0770 290 1334

laura.grossart@breastcancercare.org.uk

Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affected by breast cancer. We bring people together, provide information and support, and campaign for improved standards of care. We use our understanding of people’s experience of breast cancer and our clinical expertise in everything we do. Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000.