AgeX

The National Health Service (NHS) routinely offers breast screening every three years to all UK women aged 50–70. The government is currently considering extending this age range to 47–73. While a great deal is known about the effects of breast screening for women aged 50–70, much less is known about screening slightly younger or slightly older women.

AgeX aims to address this evidence gap through two separate trials. One trial will assess the benefits—particularly the potential to reduce breast cancer mortality—and the harms—such as the risk of diagnosing and treating non‑life‑threatening cancers—of offering an additional screen to women aged 47–49. The second trial will assess the benefits and harms of offering an additional screen to women aged 71–73.

An economic analysis is embedded within AgeX to determine the cost‑effectiveness of offering an additional screen to women aged 47–49 and to women aged 71–73.

Funder: Cancer Research UK