Breast Cancer Screening: Women Over 70

Baroness Manzoor Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Manzoor (Con)]

My Lord, I agree with the sentiments that have been expressed by the Minister. However, she will be aware that there are significant regional variations in the uptake of breast screening among those who live in poorer disadvantaged communities and among ethnic-minority women. These are women below the age of 70. What are the Government doing to narrow the gap in outcome for these women, and what key performance indicators are the Government using to monitor this?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds]

The noble Baroness will be aware of the launch of the women’s health strategy. Running throughout that is a real understanding that too many women are not aware of the treatment that is available. There might be all sorts of reasons why they are not coming forward for the screening to which they are entitled. The focus on working locally, spreading information, giving reassurance, and coming up with peer models within communities who can go out and convince women that screening is in their interest are all parts of the rich toolkit available to local health communities.