I am a practice nurse and I advise women about breast health on a regular basis. Mammograms are an important part of breast health and women are entitled to have them, every three years, for their whole lives. However, women over 71 no longer receive a letter to invite them to screening - they have to arrange it themselves. Through my experience with patients, most women in this age group aren't aware of this. Understandably, they assume that screening ends at 71. By the government's own admission, breast cancer is more common in this age group. In fact, a third of breast cancers and more than half of all deaths associated with breast cancer are among women over the age of 71. Here are two quotes from the gov.uk website:

'If you are aged 71 or over, you are still at risk of breast cancer. Although you will no longer receive screening invitations after your 71st birthday, you can still have breast screening every 3 years. You will need to ask your local breast screening unit for an appointment.'

'One in 3 women diagnosed with breast cancer in England each year are aged 70 or over. This age group also accounts for more than half of all breast cancer deaths annually, latest figures show.'

All I am asking for is that these women continue to be invited. They shouldn't have to arrange it themselves. It makes them feel undervalued because of their age and 'not worth' screening as some patients have told me. The cost of a simple letter is pence. Please support me in this fight to ensure that women of all ages are treated fairly and receive the screening they are entitled to and prevent so many unnecessary deaths. Thank you.