Breast screening in under 50s?

Currently, in the UK women over the age of 50 years are invited for breast screening every 3years, until aged 70. However, it is unclear whether screening for younger women would be beneficial.
Recently published in Lancet Oncology, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) UK Age Trial has published its long-term results of a 23year follow-up of 160 000 women aged 39-42 who were randomised to receive annual mammography or the usual NHS breast screening programme. This trial shows that in the first 10years of regular screening women aged 40-49 had a 25% reduction in risk of dying from breast cancer, than those in the usual NHS screening pathway. This study highlights that earlier detection of cancer means cancers are diagnosed at an earlier and more curable stage.
It is important for all women to practice ‘breast awareness’ and engage with existing NHS screening services, in addition to regular self-examination.
Breast cancer screening for women in their forties could save lives (nihr.ac.uk)