Call for risk-based breast cancer screening as cases in under 50s rise – The Irish News
Breast cancer rates among women aged 25 to 49 increased by 5% between 2022 and 2023, according to analysis by the charity CoppaFeel!. The organization is now urging the adoption of a seven-minute risk assessment to identify younger patients who may require earlier or more frequent screening than the standard NHS age-50 threshold.
Current NHS guidelines invite women for mammograms from age 50 until their 71st birthday. However, CoppaFeel! reports that one in six people diagnosed with breast cancer are aged 49 and under.
The data shows a significant trend in younger populations. Diagnoses in people under 30 rose by 78% between 2001 and 2019, according to the charity’s report.
Why are late-stage diagnoses more common in younger women?
Patients diagnosed under 50 are almost twice as likely to have late-stage cancer compared to those in their 60s, CoppaFeel! reports. For those under 25, the likelihood of a late-stage diagnosis is more than twice as high.
Sophie Dopierala-Bull, director of services and engagement at CoppaFeel!, stated that early diagnosis relies too heavily on whether young people know their bodies and if they are taken seriously by healthcare providers. She claimed younger patients with symptoms are “routinely dismissed” by health professionals.
Erin Kennedy, a Paralympic gold medallist and CoppaFeel! ambassador, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at 29. Kennedy noted that her outcome depended on knowing her body and acting when something felt wrong, stating that no young person’s outcome should depend on luck.
What changes is CoppaFeel! requesting from the NHS?
The charity is calling for a pilot of a seven-minute risk assessment. This evaluation would analyze breast density, genetic factors, and family history to find patients who need screening regardless of age.
Dr. Elizabeth Lynch, a GP and member of CoppaFeel!’s medical advisory group, said a brief conversation could help younger people understand what is normal and identify those needing additional support. She noted that while prevalence in young people is low, identifiable risk factors exist.
Additionally, the charity recommends that breast awareness be integrated into routine NHS appointments. They also suggest that at least one in six patients in clinical breast cancer trials should be under 50.
How is the government responding to these trends?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson admitted it is “unacceptable” that some people faced delays in cancer diagnosis and care. The spokesperson stated the government is determined to provide faster diagnoses and treatment for people of all ages.
Under the National Cancer Plan, the government says all patients will receive a personalized plan by 2026. These plans may cover financial support, employment, treatment, and mental health.
The government is also removing age-based barriers to clinical trials. This move is intended to ensure young adults can access innovative treatments. Based on these statements, it is possible that future screening protocols may shift toward the personalized approach requested by advocates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current NHS age range for breast screening?
The NHS invites women for mammograms from the age of 50 until their 71st birthday.
How much did breast cancer diagnoses increase for those under 30 between 2001 and 2019?
According to CoppaFeel!, diagnoses in people under 30 jumped by 78% during that period.
What would the proposed seven-minute risk assessment evaluate?
The assessment would look at family history, breast density, and genetic factors.
Do you believe healthcare screening should be based on individual risk factors rather than age?