Chemotherapy Nurse and Walk the Walk Clinical Ambassador Gemma Reeves (left)
- Walk the Walk’s new survey for Breast Cancer Awareness Month shows that around nine in ten people (90 per cent) back lowering the starting age for NHS routine breast screening from 50 to 40 in the UK
- Almost 8 in 10 people (79 per cent) personally know someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50
- Over half (53 per cent) didn’t know that around 1 in 6 breast cancer diagnoses occur in women under 50 in the UK
- Walk the Walk also announces that Chemotherapy Nurse Gemma Reeves has joined as its new Clinical Ambassador to support the campaign
- Gemma is available for interview on the afternoon of Thursday 1st October
Cancer charity Walk the Walk today reveals that around nine in ten people (90 per cent) back its call for Government to lower the starting age for routine breast screening from 50 to 40, according to new survey findings released ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).
Almost 8 in 10 people (79 per cent) said they personally know someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50, helping to explain why support for change runs so deep.
Survey findings
The findings come from Walk the Walk’s annual survey, now in its second year, which gathered the views of over 1,000 people on breast screening, self-checking and understanding of secondary breast cancer.
Many think the case for earlier screening goes further still: over six in ten (61 per cent) think screening should start even before 40, and fewer than 2 per cent think the age should stay at 50.
Despite this strength of feeling, the survey reveals a knowledge gap:
- Fewer than half (47 per cent) of people knew that around 1 in 6 breast cancer diagnoses in the UK, roughly 10,000 cases a year, occur in women under 50.
- Breast cancer remains the most common cause of death for women aged 35–49 in England and Wales (Office for National Statistics, 2022).
Walk the Walk appoints Chemotherapy Nurse Gemma Reeves as Clinical Ambassador
The findings coincide with the announcement that Gemma Reeves, a Chemotherapy Nurse, has joined Walk the Walk as its new Clinical Ambassador. Gemma has been campaigning alongside the charity to lower the NHS breast screening age to 40, including taking the issue directly to Parliament in a Westminster Hall debate.
Chemotherapy Nurse and Walk the Walk Clinical Ambassador Gemma Reeves said:
“Hearing that more than 90 per cent of people questioned in Walk the Walk’s survey support lowering the routine screening age from 50 to 40 really underpins why I started my campaign in the first place. I see younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer on a daily basis, yet the screening age hasn’t been changed in 40 years – despite the fact that we have seen changes in other cancer screening programmes.
For me, it’s about finding breast cancer earlier, when treatment can potentially be less invasive and outcomes can be better. I trusted my gut when I started this campaign, and seeing such overwhelming public support tells me that people really do believe the screening age needs to change.”
David Wright, CEO of Walk the Walk, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Gemma to Walk the Walk as our clinical ambassador. Her experience on the frontline as a chemotherapy nurse gives her a unique, first-hand understanding of what earlier diagnosis and access to screening can mean for patients – insight that will be invaluable as we keep pressing the Government to lower the breast screening age to 40. Gemma has already been campaigning alongside us on this issue, and I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve together as we take this campaign further, backed by the strength of feeling this survey has shown.”
A second screening gap: dense breast tissue
The survey also points to strong public support for the NHS addressing screening gaps for women with dense breast tissue, for whom standard mammograms can be less reliable.
The vast majority (95 per cent) think the NHS should offer alternative or additional screening, such as MRI or ultrasound, for this group.
Yet awareness remains low: fewer than four in ten (39 per cent) knew mammograms are less reliable for dense breast tissue, and 29 per cent knew that alternatives exist.
An increasing education gap
The survey also points to a slight dip in self-checking confidence and awareness of secondary breast cancer compared with last year. Seven in ten (70 per cent) respondents said they check their breasts or chest regularly, down from three-quarters (75 per cent) in 2025, and just one in ten said they check regularly and have read up on how to do it properly.
Awareness of secondary breast cancer is also low, as only half (51 per cent) of respondents said they have any understanding of it.
The power of walking
Walk the Walk continues to champion walking as one of the simplest and most effective ways to support health and reduce the risk of preventable cancers.
Walking or hiking remains the most popular regular activity among Walk the Walk’s survey respondents, with 84 per cent doing so weekly.
Through its flagship MoonWalk events, campaigning work and funding of cancer research, Walk the Walk empowers people to walk with purpose, improving their own health while raising awareness and funds for cancer prevention and care.
For more information about Walk the Walk and to sign up for the MoonWalk 2027, visit: www.walkthewalk.org
Ends
Download images of chemotherapy nurse and Walk the Walk Clinical Ambassador Gemma Reeves, as well as a full history of Walk the Walk here
Notes to Editors
For interviews with Chemotherapy Nurse and Walk the Walk Clinical Ambassador Gemma Reeves on the afternoon of Thursday 1st October, please contact:
- Jennifer Broh – [email protected] | 07974 107999
- Zoe Fawcett – [email protected] | 07931 930805
- www.walkthewalk.org
The MoonWalk London 2027
- Entries are now open for The MoonWalk London 2027 at www.walkthewalk.org
- Saturday 15 May 2027, 8pm – Sunday 16 May 2027, 1pm
- Starts and finishes at Clapham Common, London
- Walking distances available: New for 2027 – 10 miles. Plus regular favourites 26.2 miles, 15.1 miles and 10k.
About Walk the Walk
- Walk the Walk is a cancer charity, which exists to inspire and empower people to live healthier lives, help reduce their risk of cancer and take positive action, through being active, embracing healthier lifestyles and furthering research
- The charity also supports those affected by cancer and is targeting a future where people live healthier lives, fewer face cancer and no one goes through it alone
- Since 1996, Walk the Walk has raised more than £148 million, through walking challenges and treks, ranging from 5k to 100 miles and more
- It is best known as organiser of the overnight MoonWalk fundraising events, including its flagship, The MoonWalk London
- The MoonWalk is a challenge which anyone can take on, whatever their fitness level, experience or circumstances.
- Walkers taking part in these events wear Walk the Walk’s statement decorated bras or brightly coloured bra t-shirts