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| More women opt for screening A record number of women are taking up breast cancer screening, latest figures show. Department of Health statistics show that at March 31 2001, 70.2% of women aged 50 to 64 living in England had been screened at least once in the previous three years. This compares to 69.3% in March 2000. For women aged 55-64, coverage improved from 75.6% to 76.2%. This is the sixth successive rise in coverage for the breast screening programme in England. There are now just 11 units out of 75 that are below the Government's coverage target. Coverage was 70% or higher in 61 health authorities, compared to 56 health authorities in March 2000. A spokeswoman for the NHS Cancer Screening Programme said: "We are pleased there has been this significant increase in take-up and coverage among women. "It is good news and we hope to continue the improvement." Last year, 8,345 cases of cancer were diagnosed in women screened for the disease. Gwen Kaplin, an information nurse for the Cancer Research Campaign, told BBC News Online that the increase was "excellent news". She said: "We know that breast screening saves lives, but its full importance will be seen in five to ten years, the best is yet to come." Ms Kaplin said she sympathised with women who were reluctant to go for screening as it could be an unpleasant feeling. But she said nurses were skilled at helping patients with their anxiety. She said: "The benefits of screening far outweigh any fears." A spokeswoman for the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: "Breakthrough has vigorously campaigned for the extension of the screening programme which was extended to include women up to the age of 70 last year. "Early detection and diagnosis is vital to improve the survival chances and minimises the impact of this devastating disease on women's lives." 25th January 2002 |
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