Jackie Baillie has expressed concern that the number of women in West Dunbartonshire coming forward for cervical cancer screening has fallen over the last three years.

Figures obtained by the Dumbarton constituency MSP show that of those aged 25 to 49 within the local authority area, 74 percent were screened in 2018/19. This had fallen to 72 percent in 19/20 and declined further to 70.7 percent in 20/21.

In the 50 to 64 age group, 72.4 percent were screened in 2018/19, 71.8 percent the following year and just 70.6 percent in 20/21.

Within the older age category, the area sits well below the national average where the proportion of eligible women screened in 2020/21 across Scotland was 74.4 percent.

Statistics revealed earlier this year showed that, in all age groups, people were less likely to attend for their cervical screening appointment if they stay in a deprived area.

Jackie Baillie MSP said: “It is really worrying that fewer women in my constituency are presenting for cervical screening now than they were three years ago.

“Research has found that more deprived areas have a higher prevalence of cancer risk factors with people less aware of symptoms of cancer, less likely to participate in screening programmes, and shamefully, they report facing more barriers when trying to seek help and care.

“The figures we see locally reflect this research and provide further evidence that, under this SNP government, health inequalities are worsening. The outlook for those in deprived areas, including in West Dunbartonshire, are much worse than in more affluent places.

“We can all play a part in answering the call to attend for our smear tests but the government and health board must also do more to encourage people in deprived areas to attend for these screening appointments through targeted public awareness campaigns.”