Over 11,000 Cancers Detected Thanks To NHS Breast Screening Programme, UK
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".
Notes to Editors:
1. This is the fifth consecutive year that the number of breast cancers detected through screening has increased. The figures for the last four years are as follows:
2000/01 8,345 (1.5% increase on previous year)
2001/02 8,545 (2.3% increase)
2002/03 9,848 (13.2% increase)
2003/04 11,227 (14% increase)
2. The statisitical bulletin 'Breast Screening Programme, England 2003-04' are available on http://www.dh.gov.uk
3. The NHS Breast Screening Programme provides free breast screening every three years for all women in the UK aged 50 and over. Women aged between 50 and 70 are currently invited every three years. Once women reach the upper age limit for routine invitations for breast screening, they are encouraged to make their own appointment. A leaflet entitled 'Over 70? You are still entitled to breast screening' has been produced in conjunction with Age Concern to explain to women over 70 how they can continue to attend for screening once they are no longer automatically invited
4. The NHS Cancer Screening Programmes press office can be contacted on 020 7282 2922.
5. Media enquiries only to Vicky Wyatt on 020 7210 5656.
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Issued by : DOH Press Office (UK)
Peste 11000 de cancer Detectat Datoritã NHS Breast Programul de screening, Marea Britanie - Over 11,000 Cancers Detected Thanks To NHS Breast Screening Programme, UK - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate