§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of breast screening sites provide screening for women aged between 65 and 70 years; and if he will make a statement. [186268]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonAs at 30 June 2004, 51 per cent. of the 81 local breast screening programmes in England had begun inviting women aged 65 to 70 for breast screening. All local programmes are expected to begin inviting the older women by December 2004 and we are closely monitoring the achievement of this target. Since the age extension began in April 2001, over 250,000 more women have been invited for breast screening. 400,000 more women a year will be invited once the extension is fully implemented.