Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said:
“This innovative new programme could help save more lives from cancer and we’d encourage anyone eligible to take up the testing offer.
“Crucially, identifying more people at increased risk of breast cancer due to BRCA gene alterations will help empower them with the knowledge and opportunity to take action to reduce their risk of developing the disease and increase the chances of an early diagnosis.
“This must go hand in hand with support. We know that finding out you have an increased risk of breast cancer, because of a family history or an altered gene, can be a worrying time and there is support available. You can speak to our expert nurses on our free helpline, on 0808 800 6000.
“People at increased risk of breast cancer should be able to access screening at a younger age and more frequently based on their level of risk. In addition, access to breast screening for anyone eligible is vital in diagnosing more breast cancers early. With uptake in England tragically falling short of targets for the fourth consecutive year, the government and NHS England must invest and deliver a national awareness campaign to help urgently boost attendance.”
ENDS