incompleteness of breast screening

I have heard no useful information about this. There is so much speculation about how many numbers might need new screenings.
I am sure that those doing these screenings must have some statistics and a fairly clear idea of how many patients in these age groups might be expected to show signs needing treatment.

I am sure they could make a good estimate, they have been doing them for years now. But it will clearly worry people . The Government could offer a little more information about the risks.

Exactly tanith. I believe it is almost a third of all breast cancers occurring in the over 70's.

I rang the helpline number to check that I wasn’t in the group, they said not but that I can ring my local West London screening service to ask for one anyway.
I shall do it in a few months as I’m not to be called again, I can’t fathom why they automatically stop it at 70 when it’s still going to be a risk and know there will be many women who either forget or don’t bother who may live to regret it.

I agree, wildswan - anyone over 70 can ask her GP every 3 years to be referred. I think it's a mixture of expecting to be reminded and just losing track, but I do feel it is unfair really to complain.

Computer systems are never infallible. I do think that we also need to take responsibility for our own health. If you want to be screened and haven't had a letter then why not phone up and ask. The NHS shouldn't have to have total responsibility for our health. Surely it is up to us.

I couldn't remember when I last went, so made a point of checking last time I saw the doctor.

It all comes down to the underfunding, understaffing and the efforts of J Hunt & co to sell the NHS off to private companies.

I got my letter today. It tells me of lots of helplines I can call if I am worried, but it doesn't say 'sorry'

I thought I might be one of those women but I just checked my last mammogram letter and it was June 2016 and the letter says if you will be 70 within 3 yrs then I won’t be called again. I will be 70 in 2 mths so I think I am outside the group but I might book myself in for another one next year anyway.
Terrible tragedy for ladies who have died or even been diagnosed because of a clerical error if that was the cause.

I guess it’s what happens when we put everything onto a computer and then walk away until it reminds us, or in this case, doesn’t.
Apparently the attendance rates for Mammograms fell sharply and yet nobody thought to check why. I’m sure that underfunding will be blamed rather than a particular person who was responsible for that department.

I have every sympathy for those poor ladies and their families, however, I know the last date I went for a mammogram and I have reminders to tell me when my next one is due.

I don’t rely on others for my health check dates.