Deaths from breast cancer doubled in 2013

The increase coincides with a fall in the early diagnosis rates for the disease in this region, as we reported earlier this month.

This was partly attributed to limited mobile breast screening during 2012 and the fact none at all took place in the first seven months of 2013.

The figures on cancer deaths have been reported by the General Records Office for Scotland.

After telling us previously that lives had been put at risk by lack of screening, Borders MSP John Lamont responded to the latest news by saying: “It’s impossible to ignore the doubling of breast cancer deaths and the fact women in the Borders did not have access to mobile screening for so long.

“The fact the van was absent for so long is absolutely inexcusable.

“Now we know that, over a similar period, more women died from breast cancer.”

Mr Lamont added: “Of course it’s impossible to solely pin the blame on that fact, but people in the area will look at the two and assume there has to be a link. Women in the Borders are not less deserving of the very best breast cancer care than those in other areas, which is why I want the Scottish Government to address this matter immediately.”

NHS Borders was unable to provide a response following our request for an explanation for the rise in deaths, despite being initially contacted about the figures last week.

Less than 30 per cent of breast cancer sufferers in the region were diagnosed at the earliest possible stage in 2012-13 combined, the lowest rate of any mainland health board in Scotland.

This was down almost eight per cent on 2011-12 and more than 11 per cent less than 2010-11.

Attempting to explain the fall, Dr Tim Patterson, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Borders, told us: “The decrease or relatively low numbers of cancers detected early in 2012/13 reflects the relative increase in the numbers of cancers detected in the previous year.”