The UK Government has officially declined a petition advocating for routine breast cancer screening to begin at age 40. The petition, initiated by chemotherapy nurse Gemma Reeves, argues that there is a concerning rise in breast cancer cases among women under 40. With over 23,000 signatures, the petition seeks to not only lower the screening age but also to increase the frequency of mammograms from every three years to annually.
Currently, the National Health Service (NHS) offers breast cancer screening to women starting at age 50, inviting them for mammograms every three years until they reach 71. These mammograms utilize X-ray technology to detect cancers that are otherwise too small to identify through physical examination. In her petition, Reeves emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “Early detection is key and the prevalence of breast cancer in young patients is rising. I have seen a rise in breast cancer in patients under the age of 40.”
In a response issued on November 21, the Government stood firm against altering the current screening guidelines. It cited recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises that screening programs should only proceed if the benefits outweigh the potential harms. The Department of Health and Social Care noted that women under 50 are not routinely screened due to their lower risk of developing breast cancer and the challenges posed by denser breast tissue, which can hinder the effectiveness of mammograms.
The Government further explained that the density of breast tissue can complicate accurate mammogram results, increasing the risk of unnecessary medical interventions for those who do not have breast cancer. They stated, “Due to this and other factors, there is a risk of over treatment and distress for women who do not have breast cancer but would be subjected to invasive and painful medical treatments and diagnostic tests.”
The Marmot review, a significant assessment of breast cancer screening in the UK, found that regular screenings for women aged 50 to 70 reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 20 percent, saving about 1,300 lives annually. However, the review warned that screening women outside this age range might lead to over-diagnoses and unnecessary treatments.
As part of its ongoing commitment to breast cancer screening, the Government indicated that it aligns with the practices of most European countries, which typically screen women aged 50 to 69. Women identified as having a very high risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history, may receive earlier and more frequent screenings, sometimes using MRI technology instead of traditional mammograms.
The UK NSC is continuously reviewing screening age limits, with ongoing research to assess the potential benefits of expanding screening programs. One such study, the AgeX research trial, is evaluating whether additional screenings for women aged 47 to 49 and 71 to 73 could be advantageous.
Should the petition reach 100,000 signatures by April 9, 2026, it will be eligible for debate in Parliament, potentially giving the issue renewed attention and consideration in the future.
