Those at Risk
Early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer significantly improves the prognosis. Coverage for screening varies across society, with higher coverage among white women, and less socioeconomically deprived communities. White women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than black or ethnic minority women. This may in part be due to lower screening coverage amongst women from BAME communities than their white counterparts [14].
Nationally evidence suggests that in general, lower socioeconomic status is associated with lower screening coverage, and breast cancer incidence rates in England in females are approximately 14% lower in the most deprived quintile compared with the least.[15]
Risk factors for breast cancer include alcohol misuse and [16](post-menopausal) obesity [17], which are both known to be more prevalent in communities with higher deprivation [18] Therefore, increasing coverage in these communities will be important in reducing health inequalities
[14]Ethnic inequalities in routes to diagnosis of cancer. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-022-01847-x [accessed 2/6/2025]
[15] Breast cancer incidence. Available at: Breast cancer incidence (invasive) statistics | Cancer Research UK [accessed 2/6/2025]
[16] Risk factors for Breast Cancer. Available at: Risk factors for breast cancer | Cancer Research UK [accessed 2/6/2025]
[17] Obesity data (2024). Available at: Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition - Data | Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care [accessed 10/6/2025]
[18] Alcohol specific mortality (2023). Available at: alcohol Profile - Data | Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care [accessed 2/6/2025]