Cancer Statistics

ISD Scotland figures out this week reveal that there has been a decline in the number of women who have been screened for Cervical Cancer with only 73% of women being screened in the last three years. The government cancer statistics also showed that screening for bowel cancer in the most deprived areas was more than 15% below the national average.

Colin Graham, Chief Executive of Cancer Support Scotland which is a charity that provides practical and emotional support for those affected by cancer, said he was disappointed with the number of women taking advantage of the Cervical Screening Programme. He said: “What these figures show is that more than a quarter of women are not accepting the invitation to have this potentially life-saving health check.

“The 27% who are not being screened is disturbingly high and, while the Scottish Government deserves recognition for initiatives such as its Detect Cancer Early campaign, the figure shows that it must do more to ensure more women take advantage of this simple but vitally important check.”

Mr Graham also said the Scottish Government had to do more to educate people in areas of high deprivation to take part in the Bowel Screening programme after only 38.9% of men in the worst affected areas took part, compared to a national average for men of 51% and a target of 60% set by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

He said: “Some of the most deprived areas in Scotland are in Glasgow and Inverclyde and many of the people living in them are poorly educated. It is important for the Scottish Government to improve the support network and ensure people are better informed about the importance of using the screening service.”

For more details on the work of Cancer Support Scotland and to find out more about the services we provide please call our Freephone 0800 652 4531 or e-mail [email protected].