Ministers must do more to increase uptake of bowel cancer screening programme - Stone

3.17.11pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Aug 2009

Commenting on statistics published today (Tuesday) showing that uptake for the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme is lower amongst men than women and that overall uptake was notably lower in more deprived areas, Liberal Democrat Public Health spokesperson Jamie Stone MSP said:

"These statistics make it clear that more must be done to encourage people, particularly men, in deprived areas to participate in this programme.

"At the moment, health boards are still falling short of meeting the 60 per cent uptake target.

"Bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Scotland. It is also the second most common type of cancer related death amongst Scottish men.

"Treatment for this type of cancer is, however, much more effective if the cancer is diagnosed early.

"I want to see Ministers do more to raise awareness of the risks of bowel cancer and redouble their efforts to encourage wider uptake of this programme."

Ends.