Audit of Mammogram Attendance Rates for NHS Breast Screening Programme in a General Practice in the North East of England

Author : Dr. Rose Stacey

Abstract :Background: The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50–70 years for mammography every three years to support early detection of breast cancer. Timely attendance is critical for diagnosis and survival, yet uptake is influenced by socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and demographic factors, contributing to health inequalities. General Practices (GPs) are well placed to identify gaps in screening attendance and implement interventions to improve participation. Aim: To evaluate the attendance rates for mammography among eligible women in a deprived area of North East England and identify areas for improvement. Methods: A retrospective review of 1,147 women invited for breast screening between 01/08/2022 and 01/08/2025 was conducted. Data were analysed by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) decile, age group, and ethnicity. Results: Overall attendance was 71%, exceeding the 70% national target. Uptake varied significantly with deprivation: 42.5% in the most deprived decile compared with 88.8% in the least deprived. Ethnic disparities were also noted, with highest attendance among Middle Eastern (75.0%) and White British women (74.9%), and lowest among White European women (41.7%). Minimal differences were observed by age group. Conclusions: Deprivation strongly predicts reduced screening uptake, with additional variation by ethnicity. Targeted outreach and culturally tailored interventions are needed to reduce inequalities. A re-audit is planned post-intervention.

Keywords :Breast cancer, breast screening, mammography, health inequalities, deprivation, ethnicity, UK, General Practice, Primary Care

Conference Name :International Conference on General Surgery and Cancer Surgery (ICGSCS-25)

Conference Place Edinburgh, UK

Conference Date 19th Sep 2025