According to NHS data, London is the lowest region in the country for uptake rates of breast screening despite a recent increase. 

The number of eligible women in London in the 53 to 71 age range screened in 2024 was 561,163 (62%), compared to 497,685 (56%) in 2023.

However, the statistics, released on 18 February, also reveal that London was the region with the lowest uptake rates in the country for 2023-24, compared to the West Midlands, the second lowest at 69%.

But Kingston is among the five London boroughs that have an acceptable level of coverage for breast screening, which is 70% and above.

Kingston, along with Sutton, just make the cut with a percentage of 70, while Havering has the highest percentage (77) followed by Bromley and Bexley with 74 and 73.

An NHS report said: "London has the lowest cancer screening participation (uptake and coverage) rates in the country."

But how do you go about booking a breast screening?

Women registered with a GP will be automatically invited for their first NHS breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53, then every three years until their 71st birthday – women aged 71 and over can self-refer.

Earlier this year, the NHS in London launched an awareness campaign supported by charity Breast Cancer Now, to encourage more women to attend breast screenings and to help detect cancers sooner.