More than a quarter of eligible women in the North West are missing vital breast cancer checks
A rallying cry to all eligible women in the Wigan area has been made by health chiefs to get a mammogram after it was revealed that a large number are missing screenings
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the NHS in the North West is urging women to attend their breast screening appointments when invited, as more than a quarter of those eligible are not up to date with screening.
Latest data shows that 28.2 per cent of eligible women in the region have not been screened in the past three years. Although uptake rose to 71.8 per cent in 2024/25 from 71.1 per cent the previous year, many women are still missing this potentially life-saving test.
Breast screening (also known as a mammogram) checks breasts for signs of cancer and can detect cancer before people may notice any signs and symptoms.
Screening take place in hospitals and mobile units in local communities and is done by a female mammographer.
People registered as female with a GP are automatically invited for NHS breast screening for the first time between the ages of 50 and 53, then every three years until their 71st birthday. Women aged 71 and over can self-refer for screening if needed.
Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West, is urging women to take this important step in protecting their health.
She said: “Breast screening detects thousands of breast cancers each year, but we know that some people may be reluctant to come forward for a number of different reasons, or it may not be a priority in their busy lives.
“Breast screening is incredibly important as it can detect cancer at an early stage when it’s more treatable, and before people may experience signs and symptoms. And for most women the result is all clear and provides peace of mind.
“So, when you're invited, save the date, it could save your life.”
In between screening appointments, the NHS encourages women continue to check their breasts regularly and to get any unusual changes to how they look and feel checked out by their GP.
For more information about breast screening, including what happens at your appointment, visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/