Breast cancer screening in England might soon change dramatically to help catch the disease earlier in younger women.
Right now, NHS breast checks only start at age 50, but recent research is shaking up that timeline.
With thousands of women under 50 diagnosed every year—many of whom don’t get screened at all—experts are pushing for earlier assessments to better protect women in their 30s.
Why Screening Starts Late and What’s Changing
Currently, women between 50 and 70 receive invitations for breast cancer screenings every three years.
This schedule is based on when breast cancer risk traditionally rises.
But every year, over 10,000 women younger than 50 are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, and sadly, around 2,000 under-50s lose their lives to it.
These numbers have sparked concern and a new study aiming to identify risks earlier.
Groundbreaking Study Shows Many Younger Women Are at Risk
A major trial led by Dr. Sacha Howell at the Christie Hospital in Manchester found that nearly one in five women in their 30s actually have a higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer.
Dr. Howell recommends that all women from age 30 undergo a “comprehensive risk assessment” to catch potential issues early.
This study began in May 2023 and has already involved over 700 women aged 30 to 39 from Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Participants fill out questionnaires, have mammograms, and provide saliva samples for genetic testing.
Out of 548 women analyzed so far, 19% were flagged as having an elevated risk.
Personalized Health Advice and Early Screening for Higher Risk Women
Women identified as higher risk—meaning they have at least a 3% chance of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years, which is the same risk level as women aged 50+—are now receiving tailored advice.
This includes lifestyle tips on diet and exercise, and many will get annual mammograms earlier than the usual NHS schedule.
Honoring Sarah Harding’s Legacy Through Early Detection Research
The study is also closely linked to the legacy of Sarah Harding, the Girls Aloud singer who passed away from triple-negative breast cancer at just 39.
Dr. Howell was her consultant, and one of her last wishes was to improve early detection methods.
Sarah’s bandmates have praised the study’s progress, saying she would be “thrilled” that her fight is helping save lives.
Expanding the Trial and Future NHS Plans
With promising early results, the trial is expanding to other hospitals across the UK.
NHS officials are developing a national cancer plan aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment options.
Dr. Howell emphasizes that most women diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a family history, so broad screening could catch cases that might otherwise be missed.
Overcoming Barriers to Screening Attendance
Despite these advances, an NHS survey found many women still hesitate to attend screenings.
Reasons include embarrassment about being topless, fear of pain, or simply not feeling symptoms like lumps.
The survey showed that about one in six women would skip or feel unsure about going for a mammogram, and attendance rates are especially low among first-time invitees.
Breast Cancer Statistics Highlight the Urgency
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the UK, with about one in seven women diagnosed in their lifetime.
Roughly 56,000 new cases are reported annually in the UK, with 300,000 in the US each year.
Fortunately, around 85% of women survive five years or more after diagnosis, but earlier detection could improve these outcomes even further.
Looking Ahead to a Future of Better Prevention and Screening
With genetics and risk assessments becoming more sophisticated, experts hope that routine checks starting from 30 will become standard NHS practice.
The goal is to identify at-risk women before cancer develops, offering them options to reduce risk and start treatment early, ultimately saving more lives.