Breast screening

Overview

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which is the second most common cause of cancer death for women¹

.

Breast screening aims to detect breast cancer earlier when survival is more likely. Evidence suggests that breast screening prevents around 1,300 deaths each year in the UK²

. However, breast screening uptake remains below the achievable performance threshold in all UK nations:

• England: 65% (2022–23) ³

  NHS Long Term Plan, 2019.

• Northern Ireland: 74% (2022–23) ⁴

  A Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 

• Scotland: 76% (2022–23) ⁵

  Scottish Equity in Screening Strategy 2023-2026 

• Wales: 69% (2019–20) ⁶

  Public Health Wales. Screening Equity Strategy 2022-2025 

We’re staying up to date with key interventions that health systems could implement to support informed uptake and optimise screening. In addition, we provide practical tips to ensure health professionals feel confident discussing breast screening and addressing health inequalities. 

Read our breast screening insights pages below to find out more. 

Insights

Overview of UK breast screening programmes

Information to support conversations with the public to support informed choice to participate.

Supporting access and tackling barriers

Interventions that address barriers to accessing breast screening services and inequalities in uptake.

Research and optimisation

Find out about potential changes to breast screening with information on the latest research, evidence and innovation.

Information for the public

Find out what breast screening is, who’s eligible and how to get tested. 

Read public information on breast screening