The results of cervical smears are being delayed

Most health boards are failing to issue cervical smear tests and breast screening results within agreed timescales, the review said.

NHS Quality Improvement Scotland also found routine delays in offering women appointments for follow-up treatment.

Screening is widely seen as responsible for sharp reductions in the death rates for breast and cervical cancer.

The practice of screening women for cancer was first introduced in Scotland in the late 80s.

The new report found that a "high standard" of service was being offered.

Screening centre

However, it also highlighted widespread delays in the system.

Women in 12 out of 15 health board areas are having to wait more than four weeks for their cervical smear test results.

All but one of Scotland's six breast screening centres failed to issue results within three weeks.

The report also found routine delays in offering at-risk women appointments for follow-up investigation.

Women in Scotland can be assured that cancer screening services are of a high standard Lord Naren Patel NHS Quality Improvement Scotland

The authors of the study called for action to speed up the process.

There has been a 32% reduction in cancer cases and a 43% fall in deaths since the national cervical cancer screening programme was introduced in 1987.

About 450,000 smears are processed each year, helping to prevent an estimated 250 cases of cervical cancer annually.

The report said that effective systems were in place to provide high quality services and cut the risk of error.

However, it also found delays in issuing test results and arranging follow-up appointments.

Breast cancer screening is said to reduce deaths by up to a third among women aged between 50 and 64.

Not screened

The report said the six Scottish centres were meeting the essential criteria for detecting cancer at an early stage, when it could be treated successfully.

Lord Naren Patel, chairman of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, said most women who died from cervical cancer had not been screened.

There was a similar trend in breast cancer, he said.

We recognise there are some areas of service delivery which boards and trusts will wish to address Scottish Executive spokeswoman

"However there are further improvements that can be made, particularly in the time it takes to report results and in other areas such as the involvement of the public.

"These services have shown themselves capable of adjusting to change in the past and I feel confident they will meet the challenges currently facing them."

And he added: "Women in Scotland can be assured that cancer screening services are of a high standard."

Tory health spokesman David Davidson voiced concern at the "unacceptable delays" in results being issued and follow-up appointments being arranged.

He said the report should act as "a wake-up call" for the Scottish Executive.