Petition

Reduce Breast Cancer Screening Age to 40

Rejected 9 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government to lower the NHS breast screening age to 40 and create an Early Detection Pathway for faster, fairer access - using tools like ultrasound and MRI for those at higher risk or with dense breast tissue. Screening must be inclusive, regardless of age, race, gender, or postcode.
Every year, thousands under 50 are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK - many at later stages. Lowering the screening age to 40 would align us with countries like the U.S. and Australia and could lead to earlier diagnoses, less aggressive treatment, and more lives saved. Many at higher risk or with dense breast tissue struggle to access the right diagnostic tools early enough. Everyone - regardless of age, race, gender, or background - deserves an equal chance at early detection and survival.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action:

Lower the age for invites to regular mammograms to 40 & perform annually
Lower the age for invites to regular mammograms to 40 & perform annually

Timeline

30 Sep 2025 Petition opened for signatures
21 Oct 2025 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 9
Status Rejected
Rejected 21 Oct 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 1 Sep 2026.