There have been conflicting studies about the benefits of screening in older women - other causes of death in this age group may mean early detection is less likely to make a difference. But research has shown that screening does result in the diagnosis of smaller, earlier stage cancers in older women and a significantly reduced mastectomy rate.

Sarah Woolnough, head of policy at Cancer Research UK, said: "We believe that more must be done by governments, the health service and charities to ensure that older women are well informed about their risk of breast cancer, the screening programme and the treatment options available to them. We want health professionals to be more proactive in telling women that they can ask for a mammogram after they stop getting invitations and explaining the pros and cons."

Source: Cancer Research UK