A chemotherapy nurse from the NHS is spearheading a campaign for urgent changes to breast cancer screening protocols across the United Kingdom, driven by her firsthand observations of a troubling trend among younger patients.
Call for Screening Age Reduction
Gemma Reeves, a 39-year-old healthcare professional based in Kent, is advocating for the Government to revise the existing rules by lowering the age for routine mammogram screening by a full decade. Currently, women in the UK are invited for their first NHS breast cancer screening between the ages of 50 and 53, with follow-ups every three years until they turn 71.
Gemma argues that this threshold is outdated, pointing to a noticeable increase in breast cancer diagnoses among women under 50. "Since Covid, the age of the women is just getting younger and younger," she explained. "They’re coming in with young families, working, and trying to navigate chemo while managing daily life. It’s heartbreaking to see."
Supporting Data and International Trends
Her concerns are bolstered by statistics from Cancer Research UK, which reveal a 14.4% rise in female breast cancer cases for individuals aged 25 to 49 between the periods of 1993-1995 and 2018-2019 to 2021. On average, approximately 9,700 cases were recorded in this age group from 2018 to 2021, out of a total of around 57,900 cases nationwide.
This aligns with practices in other countries, such as the United States, where major health organisations like the Mayo Clinic and the USPSTF recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40. Gemma believes the UK should adopt a similar proactive approach to improve early detection rates.
Petition Gains Momentum
In response to her convictions, Gemma has launched an online petition that has already amassed more than 30,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000, the issue will be considered for a parliamentary debate, potentially influencing national health policy. "They need to lower the age with the times," she insisted, highlighting the aggressive nature of cancer in younger patients due to faster cell division.
Medical Counterarguments and Challenges
Despite the growing support, some medical experts caution against routinely screening younger women. Dr Gareth Nye, a Biomedical Science lecturer at the University of Salford, points to the risk of false positives or misdiagnosis in this demographic.
"The issue with screening women younger than 50 is that there is a higher risk of false positives, leading to unnecessary procedures and anxiety," he noted. "Breast tissue density is often higher in younger women, reducing mammogram accuracy and requiring more invasive tests for confirmation."
The Government is currently exploring targeted screenings for women aged 47 and above with specific risk factors, rather than a blanket age reduction. This approach aims to balance benefits with the practical limitations of the NHS.
Gemma’s Rebuttal and Advocacy
Gemma acknowledges these challenges but maintains that the potential lifesaving benefits outweigh the drawbacks. She argues that screening teams should be responsible for referring patients with dense breast tissue for additional examinations, such as ultrasounds or MRIs, to ensure thorough detection.
"Until you go for a mammogram, you don’t know if you’ve got dense breasts or not," she said. "If abnormalities are noted, it’s up to consultants to order further tests. The threat of advanced cancer justifies more invasive procedures."
Government and Institutional Responses
The Department of Health and Social Care has stated that there are no immediate plans to lower the screening age or increase frequency, adhering to advice from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). This body bases its recommendations on rigorous evidence reviews and international criteria.
However, the UK NSC is set to review findings from the AgeX trial, a collaborative study with the NHS and Oxford University examining the efficacy of extending screenings to women aged 47 to 49 and 71 to 73. Additionally, they are assessing evidence on screening for women with dense breast tissue, inviting stakeholder feedback.
A spokesperson emphasised ongoing efforts to combat breast cancer, including AI trials for mammogram analysis and research initiatives under the 10 Year Health Plan, alongside measures to reduce cancer waiting times.
Expert Perspectives on Screening
Sophie Brooks, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, echoed the need for caution, stating that while screening aids early detection, it is not infallible. "For most people below the screening age, the harms of screening would outweigh the benefits," she explained, noting that higher-risk individuals may qualify for earlier screenings.
Gemma remains hopeful that her campaign will drive meaningful change, expressing gratitude for each signature and underscoring the collective power of public advocacy. "On my own, I don’t have the power to implement change, but together we can make a difference," she concluded.
