Women across the South East are leading the way in protecting their health, with the region achieving the highest breast screening uptake in England. New NHS data shows 73.3% of women aged 50–70 attended their appointment between 2024-2025 with almost 19,000 more women screened than the year before. 

The latest figures also show that 347,407 women in the region were screened during 2024-2025, compared with 328,405 between 2023-2024, meaning nearly 19,000 more women received a potentially lifesaving mammogram. Screening uptake rate was also up, with 73.3% of women attending their appointments when invited in 2024-2025, compared to 72.9% in 2023-2024. 

Breast screening helps detect cancers at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. The strong performance in the South East supports the ambitions set out in the recent national cancer plan, which aims to diagnose more cancers at an earlier stage, reduce inequalities in access to screening, and ensure more people benefit from faster, more effective treatment. Increasing uptake of breast screening is a key part of this work, as early detection significantly improves outcomes and survival. 

Dr Daghni Rajasingam, a NHSE Medical Director in the South East, said: “It’s fantastic to see the South East leading the country on breast screening uptake, and we’re determined to keep that momentum going. Early diagnosis saves lives, and making screening easier to access is a key part of that and great work is going on across the region to make it easier for people to attend their screening appointments, with new diagnostic centres, mobile units and longer opening hours, including weekends and evenings. If you get an invite, please attend — and if you’ve missed one, it’s quick and simple to rearrange so please don’t put off coming forward.” 

Women aged 50–70 are invited for breast screening every three years, with appointments offered at local screening units and mobile vans across the region. The NHS is also continuing work to improve access and reduce inequalities, including targeted outreach in communities where uptake has historically been lower. 

As part of efforts to improve access and reduce disparities, a new static breast screening unit has opened at Crawley Hospital in Sussex. 

The introduction of a permanent site is an important step towards providing a more equitable service some of the most deprived communities in the region. Previously, some individuals — particularly those with physical disabilities — faced challenges accessing screening, with travel required to Worthing Hospital or reliance on mobile units with steps. 

The new Crawley unit offers improved local access, especially for people who may have struggled to attend appointments in the past, helping ensure more women can take up their screening invite.