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A health watchdog has reported that more women than ever in Scotland are being screened for breast cancer.A health watchdog has reported that more women than ever in Scotland are being screened for breast cancer.
NHS Quality Improvement concluded that most key targets in the screening programme were being met. NHS Quality Improvement found the national standard on patient uptake of breast screening had been met by every region for the first time.
However, it also recognises that too many women were still not given their results quickly enough. However, it still recognised that many were not given results quickly enough.
Doctors insisted early detection of the cancer and subsequent treatment were the key elements to saving the lives of women with the disease in Scotland.Doctors insisted early detection of the cancer and subsequent treatment were the key elements to saving the lives of women with the disease in Scotland.
NHS Quality Improvement, in its report to be published on Wednesday, said that the breast screening programme was improving, with all six regional centres exceeding their target of screening 70% of women. NHS Quality Improvement, in a report published on Wednesday, said that the breast screening programme was improving, with all six regional centres exceeding their target of screening 70% of women.
However, although 95% of women should be given their results within 15 working days, that was not happening.However, although 95% of women should be given their results within 15 working days, that was not happening.
Scotland can rightly be proud that its breast screening programme is delivering a world class service Sir Graham Teasdale
NHS QIS Chairman Sir Graham Teasdale said: "These are remarkably high uptake rates for any screening programme and that is a real vote of confidence in the services.
"Uptake rates were identified by our 2003 report as an issue and action has been taken. That should also give reassurance to women that the services are always looking to improve.
"On a whole range of standards we see the same picture emerging; all six services meeting criterion after criterion in full. That is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and experience of the staff."
He added: "Even with a report as positive as this, we are always looking for ways to improve and all those working in the breast screening service in Scotland have yet again shown that they are committed to providing the highest possible standards of care.
"Scotland can rightly be proud that its breast screening programme is delivering a world class service."
The Scottish Executive said that the increasing numbers of women who came forward to be screened was a vote of confidence in the service.The Scottish Executive said that the increasing numbers of women who came forward to be screened was a vote of confidence in the service.
The SNP welcomed the progress made but said a Nationalist government would extend screening to the over 40s, not just the over 50s.
The party's health spokeswoman Shona Robison said: "It must be remembered that there is still improvement to be made in waiting times for breast cancer as one in eight breast cancer patients still fail to meet the two-month waiting target.
"It is absolutely vital that patients are given the best chance to survive a potentially life-threatening disease through early diagnosis so more work must still be done to fully meet this target."