(2) what assessment she has made of the effect of the ageing of the population on the demand for breast screening; and if she will make a statement.
There is now clear evidence showing the benefits of breast cancer screening on a population basis for women aged 50 to 70. The evidence for inviting women aged over 70 on a population basis is not so clear.
That is why research has been commissioned on behalf of the advisory committee on breast cancer screening (ACBCS) to bring more clarity to this area. A final report of the research is due shortly, and based on this the ACBCS will advise on a way forward.
Women aged over 70 can self-refer for free three-yearly screening and women who have already participated in the programme should be informed of this right after the age of 70.
The availability of screening for older women is widely publicised. In particular, we have collaborated with Age Concern to produce the leaflet, ‘Over 70? You are still entitled to breast screening’. The leaflet is widely available in general practitioner surgeries, health centres, breast screening units and Age Concern outlets and as with ‘Breast Screening—The Facts’ it allows women aged over 70 to make an informed choice on whether to be screened or not.
We are aware that there are a growing number of women becoming eligible for breast screening, as women born in the post-war baby boom reach their 50th birthdays and we expect this increase to peak in 2015, resulting in a 20 per cent. increase in women aged 50 to 70 in England between 2005 and 2025.
Breast screening capacity in the National Health Service needs to increase to meet this demographic challenge, and the cancer programme board are considering what action may be taken in this area. It is for primary care trusts and cancer networks, in collaboration with local stakeholders, to decide how local services are organised and patients supported.