Almost one in three women snubbed lifesaving breast screening despite the programme catching 20,000 cancers last year, new figures show. NHS England said 1.94 million women attended screening within six months of receiving an invitation in 2024/25, up from 1.75 million the previous year. Dr Harrison Carter, director of screening at NHS England, said: ‘Breast screening can save lives. Philomena Ofodu, 54, had her stage two breast cancer detected through screening, although she admits she almost ignored her invitation. She said: ‘Encouraging women to attend their breast screening appointment is something that I am extremely passionate about, as I know how much it matters.

Source: Daily Mail February 19, 2026 17:57 UTC