A two-month treatment timescale has been set

The aim was that by the end of 2005 all urgent referrals should be treated within two months.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Scotland.

Audit committee convener MSP Brian Monteith said that although positive progress was being made, the service still faced significant challenges.

He said that survival rates showed a marked improvement, but added: "We acknowledge the service still faces significant challenges, particularly in meeting the 2005 waiting time target for bowel cancer services and in improving GP referral systems."

In the third quarter of 2004 only 60% of Scotland's bowel cancer patients started treatment within the two-month timescale, leading the MSPs to warn that ministers are "unlikely" to meet the waiting time target in this area.

Waiting times are falling but I want to see boards accelerate these improvements Andy Kerr MSP Health Minister

Health Minister Andy Kerr said the committee's report underlined the quality of NHS cancer services, but he admitted the target for treating bowel cancer would be difficult to meet.

"I know there are anxieties felt by anyone who thinks they might have cancer. We must reduce waiting times," he said.

"The 2005 cancer waiting target of two months is a big challenge. We set a stretching target. We recognise it will be difficult to meet."

Mr Kerr added: "Waiting times are falling but I want to see boards accelerate these improvements."

National guidelines

Earlier this year, the Auditor General for Scotland, Robert Black, said that GPs were not always following national guidelines to help them decide whether to refer patients for specialist bowel cancer tests.

Tackling the illness is one of the top priorities for the NHS in Scotland.

Bowel cancer screening would be provided for everyone in Scotland between the ages of 50 and 74, ministers said in August.