The new year marks the 20th anniversary of breast screening in England.

Breast cancer screening has reduced deaths from the disease by nearly half, according to a recent study.

The research, which examined the effect of screening in East Anglia, shows the programme has reduced breast cancer deaths by 48%. This is one of the first of a series of studies assessing the impact of the National Screening Programme.

“We hope to collect data from other regions, allowing us to compare programmes across the UK, bringing the best practices to areas that aren’t performing quite as well.”

Julietta Patnick, director, NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, said: “The new year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of breast screening in England. Huge strides have been made over the past two decades and today, more women than ever are surviving breast cancer, many of whom have benefited from early detection through routine breast screening.

“It is important we constantly evaluate the effectiveness of the programme and I am delighted these latest findings show that breast screening can save lives. I hope the study will encourage women to make an informed choice to accept their invitation for screening.”

As reported in the January edition of Synergy News, the government has committed to extending the screening programme in England by 2012.

Women aged 47 to 73 will be invited so that every woman will have their first screening before the age of 50.

Anne Shaw, SoR’s professional support officer, said: “An increase in the number of women to be screened will mean that more mammographers will need to be recruited and that more radiographers will be required to film read and undertake reporting. We hope this will mean more career development opportunities for radiographers.”

Posted: 08/02/2008