Breast cancer screening hits ‘worrying’ level
The number of women screened for breast cancer in Lanarkshire is at its lowest level for a decade.
Just 68 per cent of eligible women were screened over the last three years – only NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had a lower uptake.
Figures published by ISD Scotland revealed that 71.2 per cent of women across Scotland were screened as part of the Scottish Breast Screening Programme between 2015-16 and 201718.
Going back over the past decade, the figures also showed that NHS Lanarkshire has consistently performed below the Scottish average.
Women from more deprived areas are even less likely to go for breast cancer screening than their more affluent counterparts.
Labour’s shadow health secretary Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, was concerned Lanarkshire women were not receiving the health services they should be able to.
She said: “Women in Lanarkshire are missing out on lifesaving breast cancer screening.
“Breast screening is crucial to catching cancer early and saving lives, so it is disappointing that SNP ministers at Holyrood have failed to take act to reverse this decline.
“Health services should be accessible to everyone, but the poorest women are far less likely to attend these appointments than the wealthiest.
“Juggling caring responsibilities and work pressures can contribute to this, so I appeal to local employers to be flexible and encouraging.
“I have written to the health secretary and NHS Lanarkshire to ask what urgent action they will take to increase attendance at breast cancer screening.”
Central Scotland MSP Margaret Mitchell has labelled NHS Lanarkshire’s performance “worrying”.
The Conservative MSP added: “The declining breast cancer screening rate is particularly concerning given that the earlier cancer is caught, the better the outcome.
“Quite simply there must not be any excuse for health boards such as NHS Lanarkshire not to be meeting this important screening target. The SNP government must now ensure all women have access to early breast cancer screening, regardless of where they live.”
Celia Briffa-Watt, consultant in public health at NHS Lanarkshire, said breast screening uptake across Scotland is falling.
She added: “We are aware Lanarkshire has always had one of the lowest uptake rates for breast screening.
“This is due to the high levels of socio-economic deprivation in the area, with screening uptake always lower in more disadvantaged areas. NHS Lanarkshire has taken a range of actions over recent years to improve breast screening rates and continues to prioritise this work.
“Examples include promotion of breast screening on pharmacy prescription bags and by pharmacy staff, information/ media campaigns, promotion in workplaces and work with the homeless population.”
A community liaison officer has recently been employed by the West of Scotland Breast Screening Service (WoSBSS) to improve uptake in Lanarkshire.
A Cancer Research UK facilitator is also working closely with GP practices on a range of cancer issues including breast screening.
To make an appointment or for advice, call WoSBSS on 0141 800 8800 now.