Women in the South East are stepping up for breast cancer screening at a higher rate than any other region in the country.

New NHS England data shows that 766,046 women aged 53 to 71 were screened for breast cancer as of 31 March 2024, compared to 723,160 women the previous year – an increase of nearly 43,000.

The data also shows that the uptake rate among those invited in 2023-24 improved to 73.30% in the South East – an increase from 70.3 in 2022-23, the highest rate of any region in the country, and above the national average of 70%.

However, despite this encouraging news, more women are being urged to come forward when invited as screening helps to save lives.

The recent story shared of 60-year-old Theresa Carter from Berkshire highlights the importance of screening as had it not been for her attending her routine appointment, her cancer would not have been detected as early as it was, and the outcome would have been much different. You can read more about her story here.

Daghni Rajasingam, a NHSE Medical Director in the South East, said: “It is really encouraging that more women are taking up their invitation to breast screening, and that the South East is performing so well.  However, there are still many more women we need to reach and encourage to attend, which is why the awareness campaign launched recently is so important.

“Breast screening plays a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, often identifying cancers before any visible or palpable changes occur. This early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival so I would encourage all eligible women to take up the offer when invited.”

Last week saw the launch of NHS England’s first-ever national campaign to support more women to attend breast screening, to help detect thousands more cancers earlier and save lives.

The campaign – supported by leading charity Breast Cancer Now – launched with a new advert across TV, radio and online to highlight that screening can detect any cancers as early as possible, while providing reassurance and relief to millions of women who get the all-clear.

All women aged 50 to 71 are invited for free NHS breast screening. The process is designed to be as comfortable as possible, with mammographers trained to support and reassure women throughout their appointment.

For those who have missed or declined their screening appointment, it is never too late. Women can contact their local NHS breast screening service to arrange an appointment, even if their last invitation was weeks, months, or years ago.

For more information about NHS breast screening services or to book an appointment, please visit the NHS website or contact your local NHS breast screening service.