Prof Julietta Patnick, director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, welcomed the review, ???The NHS Breast Screening Programme has always been based on the best and latest evidence. Where new information has suggested them, a number of changes have been made to the Programme, for example extending the screening age range and using digital mammography.???

The director of health information at the charity, Sara Hiom, said, ???Women need more accurate, evidence-based and clear information to be able to make an informed choice about breast screening. The decision whether to be screened is a personal one, but that decision should be made with all of the potential harms and benefits fully explained.???

Breakthrough Breast Cancer's chief executive Chris Askew said, ???Breast screening is vital as it can detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stages when no other symptoms are obvious. The earlier breast cancer is picked up the better for the one in eight women who are diagnosed every year with this disease, as treatment options are more likely to be less aggressive and have successful outcomes.???

In the meantime, the Department of Health insisted, ???Our advice has not changed - we urge all women to go for breast screening when invited. The best available evidence shows that screening saves lives by detecting cancers earlier than they would otherwise have been.???

The review will be led jointly by Prof Richards and Cancer Research UK.