The NHS is contacting a group of 1,487 women who had radiotherapy above their waist to treat Hodgkin lymphoma when aged between 10 to 35 years during 1962 to 2003 who should have been referred for annual MRI checks (and depending on their age, a mammogram).

Why is the NHS contacting this group of women?

Guidance from the chief medical officer in 2003 said that women who had radiotherapy in the chest area to treat Hodgkin lymphoma should be invited for an annual MRI and, depending on their age, a mammogram usually 8 to 15 years after their radiotherapy. This is because it puts them at very high risk of breast cancer.

Last year, the NHS was alerted that some of these women treated when aged between 10 to 35 years during 1962 to 2003 may not have been invited for this annual testing.

After an urgent review, NHS England is this week (4 March) sending women in this group, that need to be invited onto the very high risk (VHR) screening pathway, a letter apologising for what has happened. NHS breast screening services will then follow up by offering appointments. Patients who do not receive an NHS letter offering additional screening are not affected by this.

Anyone who thinks they might be in this group can also get further information and support from a dedicated helpline that is initially open 7 days a week:

• Telephone:  0345 8778962​
• Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm and Saturday and Sundays 10am to 4pm (Local call charges apply).

Please have your NHS number ready when you call.

Women currently having radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

Women currently having radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma who are concerned about any side effects of treatment should discuss this with their oncologist. They will be able to talk to you about your treatment to date, any planned future treatment and whether this will impact your future risk of breast cancer.

Annual breast screening following radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma usually starts around 8 to 15 years after treatment. Screening doesn’t start immediately after completion of radiotherapy because the increased risk doesn’t emerge until approximately 10 years later.

Women treated after 2003

Since 2021, the NHS has a unified process that allows women who need more frequent screening, due to being at very high risk, to be referred to the NHS Breast Screening Programme to ensure they are automatically invited for annual testing.

We are currently checking whether everyone eligible has been invited for very high risk annual screening. Our current understanding is that most of this group are either on the correct pathway or are not yet eligible. Anyone who thinks they might be in this group can also get further information and support from the dedicated helpline above.

People who have moved to another UK nation or Crown Dependencies

If you think you are in this group but have moved to another UK nation or Crown Dependency, please contact the helpline above.