Breast cancer target missed

The number of women in Lothian being screened for breast cancer has dropped to a 10-year low.

New figures show that 71.9 per cent of women aged 5070 were screened during 2006- 9, compared to just 69.2 per cent for the period 2015-18.

And they show that between 2015/ 16 and 2017/ 18 NHS Lothian did not meet the 70 per cent screening target.

Only seven out of 10 of eligible women in Scotland are currently being screened for breast cancer, according to the latest Scottish Breast Screening Programme statistics.

The figures, published by ISD Scotland, shows that this is the lowest level since 200811, when it was almost three out of four or 75 per cent.

Tracey Gillies, medical director of NHS Lothian said the health board encourages women to attend breast screening appointments.

She continued: “Early diagnosis of breast cancer improves the ability to treat the cancer and the chance of survival is higher.

“Since 2010 the number of eligible people for breast cancer screening in southeast Scotland has increased by almost 20 per cent, creating some challenges for the service.

“However, we continue to combat these by working on several areas, including improving our booking system to help increase our annual capacity.”

Politicians from across the political spectrum say screening uptake needs to be better to save lives.

Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary, said: “This declining breast cancer screening rate is particularly concerning given that the earlier cancer is caught, the better the outcome.

“The SNP government must ensure that all women have access to early breast cancer screening, regardless of where they live.”

Labour MSP Neil Findlay said: “I know from my own family the importance of breast screening and good breast health. The fall in take up rates is very worrying.

“If NHS Lothian are not meeting the minimum target then they need to take action to raise awareness and ensure that as a many women as possible are taking up breast screening.

“I hope they have an action plan in place for this.”

SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop said: “Breast screening is the best way to catch breast cancer early and the earlier it is detected, the higher the chance of survival.

“We are all in charge of our own health and very often something worrying us can turn out to be nothing. However, it is always better to double check with your GP.

“Early detection is key and would I urge all my constituents who are due a breast screening test to call and make their appointment now and to encourage their family and friends to do likewise. The screening is easy and quick and could save your life.”

Her colleague Angela Constance saidd: “The na t i o n a l screening programme targets women between 50- 70 years and the Scottish Government is reviewing this programme to ensure it evolves to better meet the needs of all women.

“I will therefore be writing to the health secretary to ask what will be done to improve uptake in breast screening across the Lothians.”