AQW 24876/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 24/03/2025
Answered On Date: 07/04/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of whether current age thresholds for cancer screening services reflect the healthcare needs of older people.

Answer:

The age thresholds for population screening programmes are based on recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific advisory committee which advises the four nations, on all aspects of screening.

The UK NSC regularly reviews its recommendations on screening as new research and evidence becomes available. When considering who to screen, the benefits of offering a screening programme are weighed up against the possible harms. The UK NSC only recommends screening when it has concluded that the evidence shows that the benefits of screening outweigh the potential harms, for each age cohort.

There is ongoing research to examine the benefits and harms of extending breast cancer screening to women aged 71-73 and 47-49 years of age (the age X trial). The first report from this trial is expected in 2026.

Regardless of age, anyone experiencing any symptoms of concern should contact their GP immediately.