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Sam Robinson, from the Norfolk-based cancer charity Big C, said there were several reasons why routine breast screening stops after 70.<\/p>\n
“There could be other health problems that patients have,” said Robinson, who previously worked as a breast cancer nurse.<\/p>\n
“The treatments could be detrimental to their health\u2026 that is research-based, so that’s the reason why it stops for over 70s.”<\/p>\n
NHS England said the risk of overdiagnosis increases with age, external<\/span><\/a>, meaning some cancers detected may never cause harm.<\/p>\n “It’s more likely that someone in their older years will die with breast cancer rather than from breast cancer,” Robinson said.<\/p>\n However, she said screening remained important, particularly if women noticed changes or were otherwise concerned.<\/p>\n She explained that for routine mammograms every three years, those over 70 could contact their local breast screening unit direct, or their GP if they noticed changes.<\/p>\n “If people aren’t going for screening, something could easily be missed.”<\/p>\n A DHSC spokesperson said: “Decisions regarding screening for breast cancer are made based on the best available evidence, with the independent UK National Screening Committee keeping all programmes under careful review.”<\/p>\n Cancer Research UK and AgeX are supporting a UK trial to examine the risks and benefits of extending screening to women , external<\/span><\/a>aged between 47 to 49 and 71 to 73.<\/p>\n A report is expected to be published in 2027.<\/p>\n Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n