Date set for breast cancer screenings to start up again

BREAST cancer screening is to start again in Scotland after being halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced the national screening programme will restart from August 3 – although she conceded it will “take a bit of time” before the service is fully up and running again.

It comes more than three months after the Scottish Government “paused” cancer screening programmes at the end of March.

Women who should have had their breasts checked for signs of cancer over that period will be sent letters offering them appointments.

Women who are now due appointments as part of the routine screening process should also receive them.

Freeman said: “It will take a bit of time to get the service fully up and running again but it is an important further step in restarting our important NHS activities.

“There will be no change to the screening test itself but additional measures have been introduced to allow the screening to take place in a safe environment.

“Staff will of course wear the necessary personal protective equipment and appointments will be staggered to ensure waiting areas are quieter and physical distancing can be observed.”

She said women who were invited for breast screening before the service was “paused” at the end of March and who have not been able to attend will now receive a letter giving them an appointment.

Cancer Research UK welcomed it as “great news”.