Projected Need and Demand
Recent research has projected an increase in breast cancer cases and deaths by 2050. Currently, the UK sees around 58,756 breast cancer cases annually, with 12,122 resulting in death. Those figures are predicted to climb to increase by 21 % and 42% by 2050[22].
Breast screening coverage is increasing in England with NHS England annual data showing that the number of women who are up to date with their screening (screened within the last three years) has increased to the highest on record (4.61m). However nearly three-quarters of a million women (748,233) still did not attend a screening appointment in 23/24, with almost one in four first-time invitees not acting on their invite [23]
Breast cancer rates are lower amongst women from more socio-economically deprived areas. However, their mortality rates are higher. One explanation is that women from more deprived areas are less likely to attend breast cancer screening programmes [24]. Nationally breast screening coverage is lower in the most versus least deprived areas in England [25]. This is reflected in North Tyneside, with geographical variation in coverage across communities, between 67-77.2%9 . Breast cancer prognosis is worse at later stage diagnosis [26], increasing the risk of breast cancer morbidity and mortality across our most deprived communities.
It is estimated that around 23% of breast cancer cases in the UK are preventable, highlighting a significant impact in lifestyle choices [27]Initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, promoting healthy weight management, and encouraging physical activity are essential strategies to decrease the burden of breast cancer.
[22] International Agency for Research on Cancer (2025), Breast Cancer. Available at: Breast cancer cases and deaths are projected to rise globally – IARC [accessed 31/05/2025]
[23] NHSE/OHID (2025), Available at: NHS England » Record breast screening level as NHS campaign urges millions more to take up potentially life-saving invites [accessed 02/06/2025]
[24] Pub Med (2019), The breast cancer paradox: A systematic review of the association between area-level deprivation and breast cancer screening uptake in Europe [accessed 04/06/2025]
[25] Cancer Research UK, Cancer in the UK 2025, Socio economic deprivation [accessed 04/06/2025]
[26] Cancer Research UK (2023), Survival for breast cancer. [accessed 05/06/2025]
[27] Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Statistics, [accessed 04/06/2025]