One in ten women have avoided a breast cancer screening, despite finding a lump or breast abnormality

New research from Nuffield Health reveals that many women are reluctant to have breast screenings due to anxiety and fear of discomfort — despite the well-established benefits of early detection. More than a third of women (36%) surveyed would be reluctant even if they found a lump or abnormality. Worryingly, 1 in 10 (12%) said they had found a lump or abnormality and did not seek medical support.

In response, Nuffield Health is raising awareness of how advancements in breast cancer diagnostics are overcoming these barriers, making the experience more accurate, less invasive and more comfortable for women. This comes as Nuffield Health announces a major investment in women’s health and breast cancer diagnostics, beginning the rollout of the latest mammography technology. 

Starting at its hospitals in Cheltenham and Chester, the new technology will enable clinicians to provide faster, more accurate diagnosis, while improving comfort and the overall experience for women. Wessex, Cardiff Vale and Oxford hospitals are set to follow over the summer.

The new technology includes 3D screening, which gives a clearer view while using the same low radiation dose as a 2D scan, making it easier to identify concerns and safer for patients. The machines also move around and adapt to the patient for a much more comfortable experience. 

Several of the new equipment come with a guided biopsy, enabling biopsies to be performed with the aid of 3D images during the mammogram. This reduces the need for additional appointments, easing pressure on wait times and speeding up the process.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, with a woman diagnosed every 10 minutes. However, survival rates have doubled over the past 50 years, and nearly 9 in 10 (86%) women now survive for five years or more. This has been driven by earlier detection, improved diagnostics, and advancements in treatment. Despite the benefits of early detection, screening coverage has declined since 2019, with only 64.6% of eligible women attending an NHS screening in 2022-23.

The new research highlights why women avoid checks. Among those who have previously undergone a mammogram, 40% reported experiencing pain. When asked what would deter women from having a screening, a quarter (26%) cited anxiety, and nearly 15% (14.46%) expressed concerns about discomfort.

Kate Liddington, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital, said: “This investment in advanced mammography technology marks a significant step forward in women’s health. By making the screening process more comfortable and less intimidating, we hope to break down barriers that prevent women from attending. 

“These machines are designed with comfort in mind – adjusting to the patient, requiring less compression on the breast, and taking images faster. Image quality is improving all the time, ensuring our consultants can provide accurate diagnosis with greater confidence, and women receive the answers they need sooner. 

“With the NHS under sustained pressure and waiting lists at record levels, we have the capacity and the desire to do more. This investment in our women’s health services will further enable us to work alongside our colleagues in the NHS to deal with rising waiting lists.”

Mrs Claudia Harding-Mackean, Consultant Breast Surgeon from Nuffield Health Chester Hospital, said: “These findings are concerning but, sadly, not surprising. For many women, breasts checks can be an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ issue. But screening and early diagnosis can make a life-changing difference. 

“Our research showed that 40% of women who’ve had a mammogram in the past found it painful, and that perception still puts many off. It’s vital to raise awareness of how much breast cancer diagnostics and treatment have improved. 

“To any woman feeling anxious about getting checked, I want to reassure you: your concerns are completely understood, but please know that things have changed. The process is quicker, more comfortable, and more personalised than ever before. The earlier we can detect any changes, the better the chances of a positive outcome.”

The investment is part of a broader collaboration with GE HealthCare, which will see Nuffield Health invest £200 million in the latest AI-enabled diagnostic imaging technology across its UK hospital network. Underpinning the partnership is a shared commitment to sustainable healthcare, with the mammography machines coming with sustainability passports detailing their limited use of rare materials, recyclability, and reduced energy consumption.

The collaboration will also drive investment in staff education and elevate the patient experience across Nuffield Health’s hospitals.

Last updated Tuesday 8 July 2025

First published on Tuesday 8 July 2025