Bowel cancer screening test target not achieved

A target for bowel cancer screening is still not being met, with those from the poorest areas least likely to get checked, new figures have revealed.

The ISD Scotland data shows 55.6 per cent of those eligible for screening took up the offer between November 2015 and October 2017, below the target of 60 per cent.

Uptake for the test reached a high of 57.8 per cent between 2012 and 2014, and has been gradually decreasing since.

Those living in the poorest areas of Scotland were less likely to take up the offer of a test, at 42.3 per cent compared to 65.3 per cent in the wealthiest areas.

All adults aged 50-74 are invited to take part in bowel 0 Alex Cole-hamilton says education is the key

screening every two years in Scotland, with those aged over 74 able to opt in.

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Alex Cole-hamilton said: “Better awareness and education are needed to encourage more people to make use of these potentially lifesaving kits as soon as they arrive in the post.”