Million-Woman trial could change breast screening age limits

NCT ID NCT01081288

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This nationwide trial is looking at whether inviting women aged 47-49 and 71-73 for breast screening helps reduce deaths from breast cancer. Over 4 million women across England are taking part. The study compares breast cancer deaths and treatments between those invited and those not, to help guide future NHS screening policy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that offering breast screening to younger and older women saves lives, potentially expanding NHS screening policy.

What could go wrong

This is an observational trial, not a treatment study. Results may not show a clear benefit, and screening can lead to false alarms or overdiagnosis.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Richard Doll Building, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive

    Oxford, OX3 7LF, United Kingdom