LETTER : Side-effects of the breast screening programme
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Ms Sally Greengross
Sir: The debate around breast screening omits one important issue: that the current policy is age discriminatory. The national breast screening programme, by only inviting women between the ages of 50 and 64, excludes those who are most at risk, as more than 63 per cent of deaths from breast cancer occur in women over 65. The programme would be even more effective if it were extended to older women and an estimated 2,000 extra lives per annum could be saved.
Research from Sweden, the largest controlled trial into the disease, shows that screening is more effective with women aged 65-74 than with the group currently invited for screening. The Canadian review to which you refer ("Cancer specialists question value of breast screening", 6 September) showed only a 5 per cent reduction in deaths. This review is highly selective, as it included women as young as 40 who are less at risk from breast cancer and who therefore may not benefit from regular screening.
Unless the upper age limit is reviewed, those most at risk will continue to lose out. The Government's sop that women over the age of 65 can request a screening does not stand up, as less than 0.4 per cent do so. Some are even turned away by practice staff who are unaware of this right.
Yours sincerely,
Sally Greengross
Director-General
Age Concern
London, SW16
5 September
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments