New statistics show increase in uptake of appointments in
Scotland.
The number of women being tested for breast cancer is at its
highest ever level in Scotland.
More than three in four women (75.9%) took up their screening
invitations over the three-year period 2020 to 2023, Scottish
breast screening programme
statistics indicate.
This is an increase on the previous three-year period (2019-22)
when uptake was 74.5% and pre-pandemic (2017-20) when uptake was
72.2%.
The figures also show that all NHS boards individually have
met the acceptable uptake standard of 70% for a second year in a
row.
Women's Health Minister said:
“I am pleased that more women are attending breast screening
appointments and that boards have individually met their target
for a second year in a row. However, there is more work to be
done to reach the achievable target of 80% and to encourage
people from more deprived areas to attend their appointments.
“We will continue to work with health boards to encourage more
women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers
they may face in doing so.”
Background
Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 approximately
every 36 months. This is in line with the recommendation from the
UK National Screening Committee. Screening was paused between
March and August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme continues to offer appointments at six breast
screening centres across Scotland, as well as the mobile
screening units which allow women in more remote areas to access
screening more easily.
