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Written question asked by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 April 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 April 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Breast Cancer: Screening

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost effectiveness of digital breast tomosynthesis in the NHS breast screening programme, including the impact of improved cancer detection and reduced recall rates on treatment costs and patient outcomes.

Answer

The Government recognises the benefits that emerging innovative technologies such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) may bring to the NHS Breast Screening Programme. At present, DBT is an optional tool in the assessment of screen detected soft tissue breast abnormalities following mammography. Digital mammography, which offers high quality images, currently remains the primary screening tool for the programme as recommended by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC).

In 2025, the UK NSC, who advise the Government on all screening matters, set up a working group of breast cancer screening experts to help it consider new and emerging evidence and developments that could further improve the United Kingdom breast screening programmes. This includes exploring modalities such as DBT in addition to other tests and technologies, to detect breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue.

If, following this work, the UK NSC makes a recommendation regarding DBT, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, would be asked to make a decision on whether to accept the recommendation, alongside wider policy and operational advice.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16464
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Cost effectiveness Breast cancer Digital technology Screening
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk