Breast Cancer Awareness Month in London
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October and is one of the most widely observed health campaigns in London, Greater London and across the UK. The campaign promotes early detection, encourages women to book their NHS breast screening appointment, and raises funds for breast cancer research and treatment.
In London, NHS England services offer free mammography screening to all women aged 50–71 every three years. If you live in London and are registered with a GP, you will be automatically invited for screening. Women over 71 can self-refer by contacting their local NHS breast screening unit.
The importance of early detection in London
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in England. Around 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. The good news is that when detected early, the five-year survival rate in the UK exceeds 85%. Regular NHS screening and breast self-awareness are the two most effective tools available to every woman in London.
The NHS recommends all women become "breast aware" — meaning they know how their breasts normally look and feel, so any change can be spotted early. The Touch–Look–Check (TLC) method is the NHS-recommended approach to self-awareness and takes only a few minutes.
How to get involved in London this October
- Wear a pink ribbon and encourage conversations about breast health
- Book or attend your NHS breast screening appointment if you're aged 50–71
- Share the TLC method with the women in your life
- Organise a fundraising event at your workplace, school or community group
- Donate to fund free breast cancer screening in communities without access
Breast cancer awareness beyond London
While breast cancer awareness in London is well-established, millions of women in low-income communities worldwide have never had a breast examination. In countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is around 40% — less than half the UK figure. The difference is not biology. It is access to screening, education and early diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Awareness — an initiative of World Aid Network — funds mobile screening units, community health educators and subsidised treatment for women in the communities most at risk. This October, a donation from London could fund a screening that saves a life on the other side of the world.