NHS ROLLS OUT NEW ‘PING & BOOK’ APPROACH FOR BREAST CANCER SCREENING

The NHS is rolling out a new digital approach to make it easier for people to book their regular breast screenings. Starting next month, eligible women will receive their first notification through the NHS app, followed by a text or email message, and a letter if they do not respond. This initiative aims to address the 2.18 million eligible women who did not attend their mammogram screening in the last three years (NHS, 2024).

“We’re really pleased to see the NHS prioritising breast cancer screenings, removing the barriers to booking and attending screenings through the new ‘ping & book’ service. Breast cancer screening uptake is still worryingly low since the backlog from Covid-19 but we know how important it is to attend. Early detection can save lives. We speak to visitors every day who have been diagnosed from an NHS regular screening.”

– Sam Jacobs, Future Dreams CEO

“We often talk about breast screening ‘invitations’ but we need to stop thinking of it as an optional invite. Attending your regular mammogram screenings is a vital part of looking after your health and detecting problems early can lead to better outcomes. It’s important to remember that regular screenings should be attended alongside regular self-checking. If you notice a change in your breasts, speak to your GP do not wait for your regular screening.”

– Jackie Wright, Breast Cancer Nurse

Resources

• See the “Change + Check” leaflet for common signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
• Read more on this NHS announcement.

Support and Advice

For support and advice, visit the Information Hub, which offers practical tips, expert advice, personal stories, and signposts to further information.

• Breast cancer information, stories, support, and guidance: Future Dreams.

Events and Workshops

Future Dreams holds a range of support groups, classes, workshops, and events to help individuals and their loved ones during a breast cancer diagnosis. These are held both online and in-person at the London-based Future Dreams House.

• View and book available sessions here.