Breast cancer screening was introduced in 1988

While the NHS say that screening women for breast cancer saves lives, some media professionals argue that it could do more harm than good.

The NHS have said that since the screening was introduced in 1988, 1,400 lives have been saved in England alone.

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has estimated that breast cancer screening has reduced deaths by 35 per cent.

However the statistics are being questioned as for every 2,000 women who are screened, one life would be saved and 10 women would have had unnecessary treatment.

The Department of Health spokesperson said that despite the review, they still advise women to go for a breast screening if they are invited.

The review will be led by national cancer director for England, Professor Mike Richards and Cancer Research UK.

The director of health information at the charity, Sara Hiom, said, ‘Women need more accurate, evidence-based and clear information to be able to make an informed choice about breast screening.’