Victoria Derbyshire Speaks Out: Urges Women To Embrace Vital Life-Saving Breast Screening
BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire has opened up about her deepest fears and personal journey as she supports the NHS’s groundbreaking breast screening initiative. As a breast cancer survivor, the Newsnight anchor is lending her powerful voice to the Government’s first major screening awareness campaign, aiming to encourage women to accept their routine mammogram invitations.
Recent NHS England statistics reveal that nearly half (46.3%) of women fail to attend their initial mammogram appointment. The new initiative seeks to change that by raising screening turnout to 80% of eligible women by next year, a move that could lead to the early detection of around 7,500 additional breast cancers by 2025/26. This ambitious target translates into approximately 925,000 more women getting screened compared to the previous year, according to OK! Magazine.
The campaign is receiving widespread support from prominent figures across various sectors. Alongside Derbyshire, TV host Julia Bradbury and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas have pledged to write ‘unofficial’ letters encouraging women to participate in the life-saving program. In her heartfelt letter, Victoria Derbyshire reflected on her own experience:
“When I was diagnosed I thought I wouldn’t get to see my two little boys grow up, who were then aged eight and 11. I thought I wouldn’t get to grow old with my partner Mark. I’m still here thanks to the skill of the NHS and 2025 will be 10 years since I was diagnosed. Breast screening might just help save your life. Please go.”
The initiative comes at a crucial time, as recent NHS figures for 2023/24 indicate that only about two-thirds of eligible women are attending their mammogram appointments. Women registered with a GP are automatically invited for NHS breast screening starting between the ages of 50 and 53, and then every three years until age 71. Those over 71 can still request screenings, ensuring that all age groups have access to early detection services, Mirror reports.
Derbyshire, 56, a former UCLan student from Ramsbottom, has undergone multiple breast screening procedures. She added, “I’ve had breast screening multiple times. For me it was painless and I was happy to be screened. My motivation was to make sure any irregularities were picked up – because the earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chance of survival.” Her candid testimony underscores the vital role early detection plays in saving lives.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time, echoed similar sentiments. Dalton stressed the importance of screening, stating, “As someone living with metastatic breast cancer, I know the importance of screening and early diagnosis. I urge all women to come forward for screening when they are contacted by the NHS – it could be life saving.”
The NHS campaign, supported by the charity Breast Cancer Now, is bolstered by a new “ping and book” service, which sends alerts to women’s phones via the NHS App, reminding them to schedule or reschedule their appointments. With the integration of the latest AI technologies to aid early detection, the NHS hopes that by addressing misgivings and sharing survivors’ stories, more women will embrace the benefits of regular breast screening.