What are the current guidelines for breast cancer screening in women aged 50-70 in the UK?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 14 August 2025Updated: 14 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

The current guidelines for breast cancer screening in women aged 50 to 70 years in the United Kingdom are primarily managed through the NHS Breast Screening Programme . This programme is a rolling scheme that invites women aged 50–70 years, who are registered with a GP in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, for a routine mammogram every three years .

Women receive an invitation for breast screening by post, and the appointment can be rearranged if the time or place is inconvenient . The screening process involves mammography, where each breast is gently but firmly compressed to obtain a good-quality image, which some women may find uncomfortable or painful . It is advised to avoid using talcum powder or spray-on deodorant on the day of screening as these may affect the mammogram . After screening, women will be contacted with their results; approximately 1 in 23 women are recalled for further tests, although most of these women will not have breast cancer . Women should be provided with appropriate information on breast screening, including its benefits and harms, to enable an informed decision about participation .

For women aged 50 to 70 years with an increased risk of breast cancer due to family history or genetic factors, specific surveillance recommendations apply :

  • Moderate Risk (lifetime risk 17% to less than 30%):
    • Women aged 50 to 59 years may be considered for annual mammography .
    • Women aged 60 to 69 years are offered mammography as part of the population screening programme .
  • High Risk (lifetime risk 30% or greater):
    • Aged 50 to 59 years:
      • If there is a 30% or lower probability of being a BRCA or TP53 carrier, annual mammography is offered .
      • If untested but with a greater than 30% BRCA carrier probability, annual mammography is offered .
      • If there is a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, annual mammography is offered .
      • If untested but with a greater than 30% TP53 carrier probability, mammography is offered as part of the population screening programme .
    • Aged 60 to 69 years:
      • If there is a 30% or lower probability of being a BRCA or TP53 carrier, mammography is offered as part of the population screening programme .
      • If untested but with a greater than 30% BRCA carrier probability, mammography is offered as part of the population screening programme .
      • If there is a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, annual mammography is offered .
      • If untested but with a greater than 30% TP53 carrier probability, mammography is offered as part of the population screening programme .

MRI surveillance is generally not offered to women aged 50 years and over without a TP53 mutation unless mammography has shown a dense breast pattern . However, for women aged 50 to 69 years with a known TP53 mutation or a greater than 30% probability of being a TP53 carrier, annual MRI surveillance may be considered .

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