The Department of Health and Social Care announced on 5 October 2026 a three-year partnership with the charity Breast Cancer Now, described as the first to be announced under the government's Renewed Women's Health Strategy. The department said the work would give women practical information on checking their breasts, recognising changes and seeking advice sooner, particularly in underserved areas, and would include post-treatment support and additional training for healthcare professionals.

The announcement cited Breast Cancer Now research finding that 29% of women in England who regularly check their breasts did not feel confident noticing a change, while 11% of those checking less than once a month said they did not know what to look out for. It also reported that 20% of UK adults were not confident they would know where to find trusted information about breast cancer.

Minister for Women's Health and Maternity Baroness Merron said early diagnosis is vital, and Breast Cancer Now deputy chief executive Rachael Franklin said the charity was proud to be the strategy's first partner. The release said one in seven women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.