More than a quarter of women eligible for NHS breast screening in the North West are not up to date with their checks, according to figures published by NHS England on 28 October.

NHS England says 28.2% of eligible women in the region have not been screened in the past three years. Uptake rose to 71.8% in 2024/25, from 71.1% the year before. (Some reports have given the figure as 28.9%; the NHS England announcement says 28.2%.)

Breast screening, also known as a mammogram, checks for signs of cancer and can find it before a person notices any symptoms. It takes place in hospitals and in mobile units in local communities, and is carried out by a female mammographer.

Who is invited

People registered as female with a GP are invited automatically for the first time between the ages of 50 and 53, and then every three years until their 71st birthday. Women aged 71 and over are no longer invited automatically, but can refer themselves for screening.

Dr Paula Cowan, a GP and regional medical director for primary care at NHS England in the North West, said: "Breast screening detects thousands of breast cancers each year, but we know that some people may be reluctant to come forward for a number of different reasons, or it may not be a priority in their busy lives."

She added: "Breast screening is incredibly important as it can detect cancer at an early stage when it's more treatable, and before people may experience signs and symptoms. And for most women the result is all clear and provides peace of mind. So, when you're invited, save the date, it could save your life."

Booking in Greater Manchester

In Greater Manchester, screening is run by the Greater Manchester Breast Screening Service, based at the Nightingale Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital. The service says screening is by appointment only. Women who have been invited, need to change an appointment, have missed one, or are over 70 and have not been screened for more than three years can request an appointment through the service's website, or call 0161 291 4444. If a mammogram leads to a follow-up assessment, that takes place at the Nightingale Centre.

Between screening appointments, the NHS advises women to check their breasts regularly and to see their GP about any unusual changes in how they look or feel. More information is on the NHS website.

Sources: NHS England North West, 28 October 2026; Greater Manchester Breast Screening Service; also reported by Manchester Evening News and BBC News. This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked by an editor against the sources above.