Question reference: S6W-02945
- Asked by: Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 14 September 2021
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 27 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to extend breast cancer screening for women over 80.
Answer
The age ranges for each of the screening programmes, including the breast screening programme, are based on evidence about the risks and benefits of screening people at different ages. They are developed in line with advice from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent expert advisory group which informs decisions taken across the UK on screening programmes, including those taken by the Scottish Government. Currently their recommendation is to invite women aged between 50 and 70 for routine breast screening every three years.
The UK NSC review their recommendations as new evidence that could improve outcomes emerges. The previous review cycle for the breast screening programme was completed in 2019 and the next cycle is estimated to complete in 2022-2023.
Women over the age of 71 usually have the option to self-refer into the breast screening programme, however this option is currently paused to allow the programme to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and will resume as soon as capacity allows.
In the meantime, it remains important for women at any age to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and to report any concerns to a GP so that these can be thoroughly investigated. More information on symptoms can be found on the NHS Inform website at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/breast-cancer-female#symptoms-of-breast-cancer.