Learn the lesson on health screening

Minister for Public Health Shona Robison has called on young men and women to learn lessons from their mothers and grandmothers. Recent figures show record successes for Scotland's breast screening programme, contrasting with worrying sexual health trends.

Statistics for the Breast Screening Programme in the three years to 2006-07 show all 11 NHS breast screening programme standards were achieved for the first time ever. This includes uptake, cancer detection, recall for assessment and early recall rates. All NHS boards have achieved at least the minimum uptake standard of 70 per cent of women invited for screening.

Simultaneously, mortality rates for breast cancer have decreased steadily since 1990, with the 2006 figure showing a nine per cent year-on-year fall.

Patients whose breast cancer is diagnosed earlier have a much greater chance of survival. The number of cancers detected by screening has increased from 895 in 2002-03 to 1395 in 2006-07, an increase of 55.9 per cent. The proportion of cancers detected without the need for diagnostic surgery is also improving - up from 67.7 per cent to 94.7 per cent in the last decade.

Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said: "Screening programmes are a vital part of maintaining public health. But their success depends on people coming forward and taking up the invitation to be screened, so it's extremely encouraging to see three-year attendance figures are at an all-time high of 76.5 per cent.

"These figures can go higher, but it is heartening to see women over 50 are taking care of their health. Younger people now need to take this on board too, and to take advantage of the testing and treatment available to protect their own sexual health."

Trends in younger people's sexual health are causing increasing concern. Four out of every five new diagnoses of Chlamydia among women were in the 15-24 age group, while 71 per cent of new diagnoses among men were in the 20-34 age group.

The 2006-07 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) statistics also record rising levels of syphilis, Chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, HIV and other STIs. The rises are believed to be partly attributable to increased awareness and testing.

The Minister added:"It is disappointing to see rising rates of STIs, and although there are small signs of improvement in increased awareness and testing, this is not yet enough.

"Last month I announced a new Chlamydia testing and treatment programme that will be available later this year free of charge in community pharmacies around Scotland.

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