‘Postcode lottery’ over bowel cancer screening test uptake

The number of people taking a bowel cancer screening test in Ayrshire’s most deprived areas is way down compared to those in the more affluent areas of the region.

Statistics published by Public Health Scotland show that in Ayrshire and Arran, only 55.6 per cent of people in Ayrshire’s more deprived areas have taken a test.

That’s way down on the number of those in Ayrshire’s least deprived areas who’ve undergone a test , 74.6 per cent.

Some of the most affluent areas include South Harbour, Ayr and parts of Alloway, while some of the most deprived areas include Ayr North Harbour, Wallacetown and Newton South, Lochside, Braehead and Whitletts, Dalmilling, Ayr South Harbour and Town Centre and Craigie, Castlehill, Kincaidston and Heathfield.

The figures cover a two-year period from May 1 2019 to April 30 2021.

South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth, who is a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) said: “The statistics are clear - the poorest Scots in our region are far less likely to be screened than the wealthiest.

“This will only lead to greater numbers of late diagnoses among the poorest in our society and a greater number of deaths.

“No one’s health should be determined by their socioeconomic status. If action is not taken now, this inequality will only grow and lives will be lost.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said they have committed a further £20 million to the Detect Cancer Early (DCE)

Programme over the parliamentary term.

He added: “We recognise that there continues to be an inequality gap for bowel screening uptake between the most and least deprived areas.

“This is why we have allocated £2 million over 2021/22 and 2022/23 to tackle inequalities and encourage those who are eligible to take up their invite to the cancer screening programmes, including the bowel screening programme.”

SNP MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, Elena Whitham said: “These uptake figures are worrying and more work needs to be done to raise awareness of this potentially lifesaving test.

“Scotland has the most comprehensive bowel screening programme in the UK with tests offered to people aged 50 to 74 every two years.

“These tests are sent out automatically and around half a million people take part.

“This is backed up by TV and radio ads highlighting the growing number of people in Scotland who are routinely returning their test and encouraging others of screening age to do the same.

“People may be put off by the process, but I would urge everyone who receives a kit to ‘join the bowel movement’ and return their tests.

“This means more people have a better chance of bowel cancer being detected early, when the chances of survival are much higher.

“I would urge anyone with any concerns about the process to contact the NHS on 0800 0121 833 or email TAY. scottishbowelscreening@nhs.scot.”