Written Question · S6W-08246 · Session 6
What the reason is for any change in breast screening policy, in light of reports that regular screening for the over-70s is being reduced …
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what the reason is for any change in breast screening policy, in light of reports that regular screening for the over-70s is being reduced to screening only for those who have found a lump.
The answer
Anyone, of any age, who displays signs or symptoms of breast cancer should report concerns to their GP. Should further investigation be required, which can include a lump in breast tissue, this would be referred through the symptomatic service, and not directed to the Scottish Breast Screening Programme. There are no plans to change this.
The UK National Screening Committee, an independent scientific body that advises all four UK nations on screening, currently recommends that women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited for three yearly routine breast screening because there is clear evidence of benefit from screening women of that age group. The UK NSC does not recommend that women over 71 are invited for breast screening.
While programme capacity remains challenging due to COVID-19, there remains a pause on self-referrals for those over the age of 71 in order to allow appointments to be prioritised for the recommended screening population. However, in recognition of the anxiety that the pause on self-referrals is causing, work is underway with the National Screening Oversight and the Scottish Breast Screening Programme Board to explore ways to restart the self-referral route by Autumn 2022, in a way that does not unduly impact on screening of the eligible cohort, and with a number of factors being worked through.
We continue to emphasise that, regardless of their age, women should remain symptom aware and report any concerns to their GP immediately for these to be investigated and followed up as appropriate. The pause on the self-referral option has never altered this position.
The UK National Screening Committee, an independent scientific body that advises all four UK nations on screening, currently recommends that women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited for three yearly routine breast screening because there is clear evidence of benefit from screening women of that age group. The UK NSC does not recommend that women over 71 are invited for breast screening.
While programme capacity remains challenging due to COVID-19, there remains a pause on self-referrals for those over the age of 71 in order to allow appointments to be prioritised for the recommended screening population. However, in recognition of the anxiety that the pause on self-referrals is causing, work is underway with the National Screening Oversight and the Scottish Breast Screening Programme Board to explore ways to restart the self-referral route by Autumn 2022, in a way that does not unduly impact on screening of the eligible cohort, and with a number of factors being worked through.
We continue to emphasise that, regardless of their age, women should remain symptom aware and report any concerns to their GP immediately for these to be investigated and followed up as appropriate. The pause on the self-referral option has never altered this position.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-08246 by reference.