According to the study reported by Daily Mail, ignoring the first screening was also linked to a significantly higher risk of death from breast cancer—9.9 deaths per 1,000 women over 25 years, compared to just 7 deaths among those who underwent screening. This difference is quite significant.
When and How
All women should receive their first invitation for a by the age of 53. For instance, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK invites women for screening between the ages of 50 and 71.
However, as of spring 2024, only 70% of women living in the UK have taken advantage of this opportunity. This means that nearly one in three British women is missing out on this vital screening. This is alarming statistics, as mammograms can detect tumors at a very early stage—before they can even be felt.
Why the First Screening Saves Lives: Experts’ Views
In an article published in the British Medical Journal, scientists emphasized that the first screening serves as a kind of “starting point” that influences a woman’s future health behaviors. If she misses one screening, the likelihood of avoiding future check-ups significantly increases. Researchers highlighted that attending the first mammogram is not just a short-term check but a long-term investment in health and life.
Claire Rooney, director of the charity Breast Cancer Now, adds: “The more women who take advantage of screening, the more lives will be saved. This could be a real turning point in the fight against breast cancer.”
Care That Saves Lives
A mammogram takes just a few minutes but can save years of life. If a woman receives an invitation for screening, it’s crucial not to delay this step. Breast cancer often develops without symptoms, and only timely checks provide the chance to detect it when treatment is most effective.
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