Official data has revealed that breast screening rates in Scotland are significantly lower in deprived areas.

Health service figures showed that around three-quarters of women between the ages of 50 and 70 were screened in 2008/09 in Scotland.

This figure exceeded the national target of 70%. However the information also showed that only 64% of women from the most deprived areas went for a screening appointment.

In comparison, 82% of women from the least deprived areas attended their screening appointment.

87% of women in Shetland, the area with the highest attendance, went for screening.

1,200 cancers were discovered as a result of the 2008/09 screening, of which around 50% were smaller than 1.5cm.

Breast cancer deaths in Scotland have fallen by nearly a quarter (23%) from 1994-2005.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said that breast screening in Scotland was one of the main factors behind why more women were winning their battle against cancer.

She said: "In 2003, we raised the upper age range for breast screening from 64 to 70. As a result we are now screening more women and detecting more cancers than ever before."