I turned 70 two years ago.
Like many women of my generation, I have spent years being told to check my breasts and, when the invitation arrives, to attend breast screening.
But there is something I did not fully appreciate until recently.
Once women reach 71, those automatic invitations stop.
That does not mean breast screening has to stop.
Women over 70 can still ask to continue being screened by contacting their local breast screening unit.
And I have certainly done that myself.
Breast cancer does not suddenly become less of a risk because we have celebrated our 71st birthday.
Screening can detect cancer before there are any signs or symptoms, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
To mark the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to pass on one simple message, particularly to women of my generation: Breast screening does not have to stop at 70 and can be lifesaving.
Sometimes empowering women is about changing systems.
Sometimes it is about simply knowing the choices already available to us.
Keep checking your breasts.
And if you are over 70 and want to continue breast screening, contact your local breast screening unit, and spread the word.
Cherie Blair
Breast Cancer Now Ambassador
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