Breast Cancer Screening Rates

The number of women coming forward for breast screening in Fife is falling.

According to figures, 74% attended an appointment between 2005 and 2008. Over the last three years, that's fallen to 71%.

Research shows that over half of invasive breast cancers detected in 2013/14 would have been unlikely to have been found by a physical examination alone.

The Scottish Breast Screening Programme invites all women aged between 50 and 70 to a breast screening appointment approximately every three years.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “The earlier cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. All the evidence shows that more lives can be saved through early detection and breast screening can pick up cancers that women would be unlikely to find themselves.

“The figures published today show that the overall uptake of breast screening remains high, with nearly three quarters of Scottish women participating in the programme.

“However I would like to see even more eligible women take up their invitation to screening, and so I’d encourage every woman aged 50 to 70 to find out more about the Scottish Breast Screening Programme.

“The Scottish Government’s £30 million Detect Cancer Early Programme has had significant success is raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast, bowel and lung cancer.

“Following our ground-breaking breast cancer advertising campaign, featuring Elaine C Smith, there was a 50 per cent increase in the number of women consulting their GP in the first three months of the campaign.

“Work is now underway to investigate what more can be done to encourage women to take up their invitation to participate in breast screening.”