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Improving services for women with a family history of breast cancer

The aims of this campaign are:
  • To reduce waiting times for genetic test results


  • To ensure women with a significant family history of breast cancer are offered annual screening in the best available format from 40-49 years.


  • To ensure women with a strong family history of breast cancer are offered annual MRI and mammography screening from an earlier age, depending on their genetic assessment.

Family History Campaign Update: Cancer Reform Strategy

Two key developments were announced in the Government's Cancer Reform Strategy 2007:

  • The NHS Breast Screening Programme will be given responsibility for family history screening services (both mammography and MRI) in order to develop a more standardised national approach. The new system is expected to be in place from 2009.


  • The Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support pilot services to test different models of delivering a cancer genetics service are currently being evaluated. If shown to be effective, advice will be developed on how to commission and run familial genetics services (closely linked with the NICE Familial Breast Cancer Guidance).

Family History Campaign Successes

Previous successes for Breakthrough’s Family History campaign have helped to bring about significant improvements in services for women with a family history of breast cancer:

  • Government extends the moratorium which ensures that results of genetic test results cannot be requested by insurance companies in order to set insurance premiums under certain financial limits. Read more


  • Government announces significant progress to ensuring everyone who goes for a genetic test will get results in two or eight weeks, depending on the type of test taken. Read more


  • Annual MRI screening to be available on the NHS to women with faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Read more

How you can help






For further information

Vicki Nash
vickin@breakthrough.org.uk
Tel: 020 7025 2435
Fax: 020 7025 2401

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