Breast cancer screening process in Scotland to change after recent errors

NHS Scotland is to change the way women are called to breast cancer detection appointments after major recent errors in the screening programme.

Some eligible for screening were not invited because they had moved between GP practices or were aged over 71 by the time their practice was called.

Women aged 50 to 70 are invited for appointments once every three years, based on their GP practice.

It emerged hundreds of women in NHS Lothian may have missed screenings.

The health board said in January that 369 women considered to have a higher risk of developing the disease may not have received appointments at the right time.

A major review of the programme in Scotland has made 17 recommendations to strengthen and improve services.

They include:

• A more "person-centred" approach based on calling individual women - rather than the GP practice where they are registered - to set their next test date.
• Greater flexibility of appointments to provide better access and uptake, with more contact such as texts or phone calls to keep appointments on patients' radar.
• An online appointment cancellation and rebooking system to provide greater individual convenience.
• Evening and weekend appointments and more availability in rural and semi-urban locations.

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Source: BBC News, 24 May 2022