Breast Cancer Screening: Women Over 70

Baroness Browning Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds]

I stress the importance of being mindful of all ongoing research, as there is extensive research going on in all areas of cancer. We also need to be very mindful of the new technologies coming forward. The EDITH programme, looking at the use of AI, could potentially significantly reduce the number of medical practitioners who need to be involved in screening, thus freeing up capacity and making sure that trials can be implemented. I want to reassure my noble friend of the work that is happening and the intention to abide by the timeframes set.

[Baroness Browning (Con)]

Does the Minister agree that, since it is a given fact that women over 70 can self-refer every three years, there is no need for these layers of bureaucracy and administration in the health service? There is no reason why a GP needs to refer a woman in that age group to their local breast screening unit. I go into the hospital breast-screening unit and say, “Could I please book an appointment?” They say, “Yes, certainly”. No GP comes anywhere near it. Let us cut out the bureaucracy; there is too much of it in the NHS.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds]

To veer away from breast cancer for a moment, one of the most successful programmes I was involved in was working with the local authority and local NHS services to remove the need to see a GP to be referred for lung x-rays. This programme particularly targeted men in disadvantaged areas and, my goodness, it had a huge impact. This is something that needs to be taken seriously. A lot of people, men and women, are averse to going to seek medical help. We need to make available as many opportunities as we possibly can.