To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the take-up is of (a) breast and (b) cervical cancer screening in rural areas by women in their (i) 50s and (ii) 70s; and if he will make a statement. (94113)

Information is not available in the form requested as data cannot be disaggregated any lower than board level. Data are provided for the three board areas, which include mainly rural areas.

Data are not available regarding breast screening uptake rates for women in their 50s. However, the uptake rate for breast screening for women in rural areas in the 50-64 age group is detailed in the table:

The uptake rate for cervical screening for 50-59 year old women in rural areas is 69.8 per cent.

It is not possible to provide information for the number of women screened in their 70s as the Northern Ireland breast and cervical screening programmes do not routinely invite these women for screening.

The target uptake rate for breast screening in Northern Ireland is 75 per cent. The target uptake rate for cervical screening is 76 per cent.