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Twenty years of screening finds 100,000 breast cancers

03/03/2008

In the 20 years since the NHS began breast and cervical screening more than half a million breast cancers and cervical abnormalities have been detected.

The figures have been released to mark the 20th anniversary of the screening programmes.

The government estimates that during the past two decades, over 100,000 breast cancers and 400,000 significant cervical abnormalities have been detected.

Over 70 million women in England have been screened, with more than 18 million sets of mammograms taken.

It is estimated that each year 1,400 lives are saved through breast screening and 4,500 lives through cervical screening.

Health secretary Alan Johnson is visiting the breast screening unit at King's College hospital, London, today to mark the anniversary.

"The 20th anniversary of the NHS breast and cervical screening programmes is an ideal opportunity to remind people about the vital role screening plays in prevention and early diagnosis," he said.

"Despite all the progress, we are determined to do more. We have introduced a new HPV vaccine to help reduce cervical cancer; will extend the breast cancer screening programme to all women aged 47 to 73 by 2012; and are investing £100 million in new digital mammography equipment.

"But the benefits of this investment cannot be fully recognised if people are unaware of how important screening is."

Julietta Patnick, director of NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, commented: "The figures show how important the screening programmes are for the prevention and early detection of cancer in England.

"The earlier cancer is detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment."

She added: "We continue to support the local NHS in increasing awareness amongst those less likely to accept screening invitations.

"These include older women for breast screening, younger women for cervical screening, and people from lower socio-economic groups and black and minority ethnic communities."