Doctors launch trials in shake up of NHS breast screening programme

Leading cancer doctors are undertaking research that may lead to the most radical shake-up of the NHS breast screening programme since its launch over 30 years ago.

 

Trials have been launched in an effort to remedy long-standing concerns that the system is prone to false alarms and missed diagnoses in some cases.

 

Although further research would be needed before NHS screening leaders would consider issuing updated advice, if studies prove successful, women could be invited for their first mammogram at the age of 40, a decade earlier than they are currently.

 

In the proposed new measures, instead of a single scan, they would be offered a battery of tests to determine a personalised breast cancer risk score, with the results used to decide when they next attend a screening.

 

In trials currently underway, those identified as low risk are being advised that they don’t need to return for another four years.  Women at higher risk are invited for more frequent scans.

 

Professor Michael Baum, who is responsible for setting up the UK screening programme, said “Breast cancer is a complex problem.  I wanted screening to work.  I was one of the pioneers.  But it didn’t.  The drop we have seen in breast cancer mortality is due to better treatment.  The mantra “catch it early, save a life” sounds convincing, but it simply doesn’t work.”

 

Professor Peter Schmid, clinical director of the Barts Breast Cancer Centre, said “I have no doubt that screening is beneficial, but it’s not perfect.

 

“We can now cure many breast cancers, even if they’re found at a later stage.  This means it’s difficult to prove screening itself, and catching early cancer, is responsible for saving lives.

 

“But it’s not just about survival.  If you catch an early-stage cancer, less treatment may be needed, which is a good thing.

 

“As the science gets better and better, we may be able to narrow down the minority of women at high risk of dying of breast cancer and offer them screening, rather than simply inviting everybody.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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