Half of city's poorest miss out on cancer check-ups

It is an alarming gap for health chiefs, and further evidence that health inequalities in the Capital are more of an issue than ever.

The thousands of women who shun the free test for one of Scotland's biggest killers is even more staggering given the quality of research and care in the Lothians.

Experts said recently it was one of the best centres in the world for treatment because of the multitude of experts and facilities, while a report showed detection rate for the disease was higher in the city than anywhere else in Scotland.

NHS Lothian has tried to find out for years why impoverished women are less interested in being checked out.

It is well-established that those with lower income, on average, have poorer health, but less clear why they are more reluctant to make contact with health services.

Audrey Birt, director for Scotland at breast cancer charity Breakthrough, said: "It is vital we understand why many women in deprived areas do not attend breast screening and learn from research about how best to engage them.

"Only then can we take the appropriate measures to increase screening uptake.

"Early diagnosis is crucial for improving chances of successful treatment and screening plays an important role."

The report revealed that rates of screening were gradually improving.

A number of cutting-edge research projects in trials which take place in Edinburgh laboratories mean patients here can get access to new treatments before anyone else.

The scale of work also attracts top scientists and pharmaceutical companies to the city to work with NHS Lothian and Edinburgh University.

Dr Alison McCallum, director of public health and health policy for the health board, said: "Over 70 per cent of women in Lothian attend their breast screening appointment, but we know that uptake levels in deprived areas are lower and we are working to improve this.

"We would encourage all women to take up our invitation for breast screening. Early detection allows us to begin treatment quicker, which can increase the chances of successful treatment."