AQW 51436/22-27

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 whether his Department has reviewed the age parameters of breast screening invitations in the last three years.

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 health departments, on all aspects of screening.

The UK NSC regularly reviews its recommendations as new research and evidence becomes available. 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.

Breast cancer screening is currently offered to women aged between 50 and 70 years of age, every three years. 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.

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