Breast cancer screening concern for women from poorer areas

Published on Tuesday 27 July 2010 18:33

WOMEN living in the most deprived areas of Scotland are the least likely to come forward for vital breast cancer screening, official statistics have shown.

As latest figures show screening rates across the country exceeded national targets, the NHS in Scotland revealed that the uptake appeared to be dependent on where women lived, with rates highest in the most affluent areas of Scotland.

The figures showed that 77 per cent of all women between 50 and 70 were being screened, exceeding the national target of 70 per cent.

But the NHS reported the number of appointments slid in direct proportion to the affluence of an area, with the least deprived area boasting an 81.6 per cent screening rate, and the most deprived a 65.5 per cent rate.

Between 1994 and 2005, mortality from breast cancer dropped by 23 per cent in Scotland, but last year research showed deaths from breast cancer were higher among poorer women.

The latest figures, from the first eight months of 2008-9, were met with concern by politicians and campaigners, who called on the Scottish Government to "redouble its efforts" to encourage women from poorer regions to come forward and get screened.

Audrey Birt, the director for Scotland at the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said, although the overall picture was "encouraging", her organisation was worried that attendance remained low in some areas.

She added: "We are calling on the screening programme to investigate the reasons for the gap in uptake between affluent and poorer areas so action can be taken to reduce this inequality. Regular breast screening is important, as the earlier breast cancer is detected the better the chances of successful treatment.

Breakthrough strongly encourages all women to attend their breast screening appointments, or to request them if they are over 70."

Scottish health minister Shona Robison said the Scottish Breast Screening Programme was helping women to beat the disease.

She said: "In 2003, we raised the upper age range for breast screening from 64 to 70, and we are now screening more women and detecting more cancers than ever before. This early intervention means the NHS can take action against more cancers earlier, saving more lives."

Dr Richard Simpson, Labour's health spokesman, said screening was important for every woman regardless of background, because early detection increases the chances of survival.

"It is worrying the number of women getting screened drops in deprived areas in Scotland, and that must be addressed by the health minister," he said.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie said the picture in deprived areas was "extremely worrying".

He said: "If this trend continues, it will keep the cycle of deprivation and non-attendance going for generations to come. I implore the Scottish Government to do more to make sure screenings are available quickly and conveniently for those in the most deprived areas."

l Additional reporting by Claire Matthew.