AQW 51435/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 09/09/2026
Answered On Date: 02/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale as to why women over the age of 70 are not regularly invited to breast screenings.

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 UK Health Departments, on all aspects of screening. The UK NSC regularly reviews its recommendations on screening as new research and evidence becomes available.

As women get older, overdiagnosis becomes more common and there is a higher risk that women aged 71 years of age or older, could undergo treatment they do not need. 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 late 2026.

In NI, should a woman aged 71 years of age, or older, wish to continue to be screened, they can self-refer. Regardless of age, anyone experiencing any symptoms of concern should contact their GP immediately.