A study to see how well a way of encouraging older women with breast cancer symptoms to go to their doctor works

This study looked at an intervention to increase awareness of breast cancer and promote early reporting of symptoms by older women.

All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. Older women are more at risk than younger women, but are more likely to delay going to their doctor if they notice a change to their breasts. Older women are also more likely than younger women to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a more advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat.

In an earlier study called the Promoting Early Presentation trial (PEP), researchers developed a way of

• Increasing older women’s awareness of breast cancer risk and symptoms

• Encouraging them to know what their breasts normally look and feel like

• Increasing their confidence and motivation to visit their GP if they notice any changes to their breasts

This intervention involves a discussion with a radiographer and a booklet to take home.

We know from the PEP trial that having this discussion helps to increase breast cancer awareness in older women in a research setting. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of the PEP intervention for older women in the NHS Breast Screening Programme when it is done by NHS staff, not by research staff.