Worry as screening rates drop

And it has prompted calls for women to attend screening programmes, which can detect breast cancer in the early stages.
Between 2013-16 the uptake rate in Dumfries and Galloway was 76.6 per cent, compared to 77 per cent in the previous three years and 78.6 between 2007-10.
It reflects the national picture with figures from ISD Scotland also showing a Scottish decline in uptake rates.
It comes as statistics show that incidence of breast cancer is at its highest level for 24 years – with 4738 women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
Mary Allison, director for Breast Cancer Now Scotland, said: “The consistent decline in Scottish women attending breast cancer screening is very worrying. We need to fully understand the reasons behind the decline.”
She added: “Early detection along with swift and effective treatment is essential to improving survival. The Scottish Breast Cancer Screening Programme remains one of the most effective tools to detect breast cancer early and we would urge Scottish women to consider the benefits of attending their screening appointment.
“We believe that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live, and live well – but only if we all act now.”