Copyright dailyrecord
Women across Stirling are being urged to make sure they get along to breast cancer screening appointments as new figures reveal the number attending locally is below target. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, Public Health Scotland data has revealed 76.4 per cent of women in Forth Valley attended breast screening when invited between 2020 and 2023. This is slightly above both the national average of 75.9 per cent and the target of 70 per cent - but experts believe rates need to be closer to 80 per cent for the programme to be as effective as possible. Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed has backed the initiative to encourage more women to get along to scheduled appointments, saying: “Breast screening saves lives. A mammogram can spot changes long before you might notice anything yourself, giving the best chance of successful treatment. If you get an invite – please don’t put it off. “It’s worrying to see that women in our most deprived areas are less likely to attend screenings. “Everyone deserves the same chance of early detection and care, no matter where they live or what their circumstances are. We must do all we can to make screening as accessible and supported as possible.” Ms Tweed took part in the recent Breast Cancer Now ‘Wear It Pink’ event at the Scottish Parliament, helping raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support services. The MSP added: “It was inspiring to stand alongside campaigners, survivors, and colleagues at the Wear It Pink event. “This month is also a time to remember and honour those we’ve lost, including my dear friend and colleague Christina McKelvie, whose warmth, courage and advocacy continue to inspire so many of us.”
