Breast Cancer Screening: Women Over 70

Lord Palmer of Childs Hill Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd June 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Palmer of Childs Hill]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to review the NHS policy of ending automatic mammogram invitations for women over 70.

[Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Blake of Leeds) (Lab)]

My Lords, an important research study, AgeX, is investigating the effects of routine breast screening in women over 70. It is the biggest trial of its kind ever undertaken and results are expected in 2027. The UK National Screening Committee has been closely involved throughout and will use the findings as they are available. It is vital that all screening policy is based on robust scientific evidence, as screening can also cause harm.

[Lord Palmer of Childs Hill (LD)]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that, but I am not sure that I want to wait until 2027. The facts are compelling. Early detection of breast cancer significantly boosts survival rates, especially of older people, some of whom might not last until 2027. I disagree with the policy of not sending out invitations for mammogram screenings to the over-70s. We should not leave it to self-referral every three years. Will the Minister say what outreach programmes are being implemented in the meantime to inform women of their right to self-refer? Such programmes should include informational mailings, community health talks, and leveraging technology and social media platforms, with healthcare providers having proactive discussions with seniors about continuous screenings. In the intervening period to the magic date of 2027, can the Minister assure me that all these things are happening?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The noble Lord is quite right to say that women over the age of 71 can go to their GP and request a further screening every three years above that age. The noble Lord touched on a good point that it is imperative that that information is more widely available. I have talked to women of that age group and found that there is no general awareness that that is the case. I believe that all these policies should be managed and rolled out locally. It is for local healthcare systems to make sure that information is available to those most vulnerable in their communities. That is the work we are doing through the 10-year health plan, particularly reaching out to areas of disadvantage and inequality.