The NHS has urged women across the North West to attend their vital breast cancer checks after figures showed thousands are missing out on a potentially lifesaving screening.
More than a quarter of eligible women in the North West are not up to date with their screening appointments. Latest data shows that 28.2 per cent of eligible women in the region have not been screened in the past three years.
While uptake rose to 71.8 per cent between 2024 and 2025 - from 71.1 per cent the previous year - many women are still missing their screening.
Why screening matters
The screening, also known as a mammogram, checks for signs of breast cancer - and can detect the disease before people may notice any signs or symptoms.
Women are invited to NHS breast screenings for the first time between the ages of 50 and 53, then every three years until they turn 71. Women aged 71 and over can self-refer for a screening if needed.
Breast screening detects thousands of breast cancers each year, according to Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West.
Health officials' advice
She added: "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."
Mammograms take place in hospitals and mobile units in local communities and are done by a female mammographer. The NHS is also urging women continue to check their breasts regularly and to get any unusual changes to how they look and feel checked out by their GP.
