Young women in Greater Manchester are nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer than those in other parts of the UK, according to new figures from breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!.
The data shows 23.5 per cent of breast cancer diagnoses among under-50s in Greater Manchester were considered late-stage, at stage three or four. This compares with just seven per cent in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, which the charity says highlights "wider systemic gaps in early detection."
Late-stage diagnosis risk higher for younger women
On average, women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a late stage under 50 compared to in their 60s, regardless of where they live, according to the charity's figures.
Late diagnosis can have a significant impact on survival, with people diagnosed at stages one and two more likely to survive for five years or longer.
The figures have prompted CoppaFeel! to call for changes to breast cancer screening, including a pilot scheme offering risk assessments to younger women.
Proposed risk assessment for under-50s
The proposed seven-minute assessment for women aged 18 to 49 would consider factors including family history, breast density and genetic risk, using a saliva test to help identify those who may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening. Currently, the NHS invites women for routine breast screening from the age of 50 until their 71st birthday.
Sophie Dopierala-Bull, director of services and engagement at CoppaFeel!, said the number of women under 50 receiving a late-stage diagnosis remained "unacceptably high" across large parts of the UK.
She said: "Breast cancer is still treated too much like an older person's disease with women telling us they are dismissed as 'too young' when they first ask for help.
"Every late diagnosis represents a missed opportunity to treat the cancer before it spreads and becomes more difficult to treat.
"We are calling on the Government to pilot risk-based screening and teach younger women the warning signs and when to seek help as part of existing health checks which would transform outcomes for women under 50 at no significant cost."
Survival rates and local action
CoppaFeel!, founded by twin sisters Kris and Maren Hallenga after Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer at 23, also wants breast awareness conversations to become part of routine NHS appointments, including cervical screening, HPV vaccinations and NHS Health Checks.
The charity also found five-year breast cancer survival rates across all age groups in Greater Manchester were among the lowest in the country at 86.1 per cent, according to data by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board in 2022. This compares with 90.6 per cent in Suffolk and North East Essex.
Women aged 25 to 49 in Greater Manchester were also found to be 19 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than women in the same age group in North East London.
Dr Sarah Taylor, associate medical director for primary care at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said action was being taken to raise awareness among younger women.
She said: "We know that earlier diagnosis of cancer improves survival. We are aware of the number of women in Greater Manchester who are diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 50 and have therefore taken action to promote earlier breast cancer diagnosis in younger women across Greater Manchester through targeted awareness campaigns such as 'Look and Feel Every Month', which encourages women below screening age to know what's normal for them and seek help promptly if they notice any changes.
"Through our Get Cancer Clever initiative, we're raising awareness of cancer symptoms to encourage earlier presentation and diagnosis, particularly in communities where cancers are more often diagnosed at a later stage. Activities include public awareness campaigns, community outreach, support for GP practices and workplace initiatives."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "All women should receive the same standard of care and screening opportunities, regardless of where they live or their ethnicity, and we are determined to close these gaps.
"More women are now attending their first breast screening appointment than at any point in the last decade, but there is more to do. Our National Cancer Plan is funding targeted local action to tackle inequalities, improve screening uptake and diagnose cancer earlier."
The Government has also announced a three-year partnership with Breast Cancer Now to help women recognise the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and improve support following treatment.
