THOUSANDS of women’s lives are being put at risk because they are not being screened for breast cancer.

New figures reveal almost a third of women in Brighton and Hove eligible for a screening have not had one done.

Health bosses say cancer is a top priority and work is being done to improve breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and screenings in the city.

Figures show 69.4% of women aged 50 to 70 have been screened for breast cancer in the last three years, just below the national target of 70%.

East and West Sussex have rates of 75.9% and 76.8% respectively, according to a report from the Health and Social Care Information Centre.

Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group has set up an action group to devise a programme of work to improve cancer survival rates including improving take-up rates for breast cancer screening.

A spokeswoman said: “We are aware there is a need to improve breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and screening uptake among communities of high deprivation and black and ethnic minority communities.

“The CCG is currently working with a social marketing team to identify the barriers that prevent local women from participating in screening, with a focus on communities with a low uptake rate.”

This audit is due to be completed by the end of next month and will produce recommendations on how the CCG can encourage women to respond.

An education and training programme on cancer risks, early diagnosis and “survivorship” is being planned for local GPs and health professionals.

A spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK in Sussex said: “While there has been a small fall over the last few years, overall the number of women attending screening is still above the target of seven in 10 women.

“The report looks at the numbers and can’t tell us the reasons behind any changes.

“However as recent research funded by Cancer Research UK has shown, people are generally very positive about the idea of screening.

“It’s important that barriers to screening – such as not being able to get an appointment at a convenient time or lack of public transport – don’t stop women from attending.

“But screening has harms as well as benefits.

“For every life saved, around three women are diagnosed with a cancer that never would have done them any harm – and whether to take part is a personal choice which should be respected.”