Routine Cohort National Breast Screening programme: Cohort identification methodology

As part of the ongoing digital transformation of the NHS England National Screening Service, Cohorting as a Service (CaaS) has been commissioned to support the identification of individuals eligible for the Breast Screening Programme. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the accuracy, efficiency and scalability of cohort identification processes. 

CaaS will replace the existing method of identifying eligible individuals, ensuring a seamless transition by replicating all relevant demographic data items on a like-for-like basis. This approach guarantees alignment with current output standards and maintains data integrity throughout the transformation. 

The Personal Demographics Service (PDS) will serve as the authoritative data source for establishing the base population. Eligibility criteria, as defined within the programme scope, will then be applied to generate the breast screening cohort. 

This transformation supports NHS England’s commitment to modernising screening services through data-driven innovation, ensuring timely and equitable access to preventive care. 

The eligible population for the Breast Screening programme includes:

• individuals aged 44 years to 73 years inclusive throughout the duration of the programme

and:

• gender is not male, or gender was not male when initially added to the cohort 

The data set used is: 

• Personal Demographics Service