The watchdog said women should be receiving their results quicker

NHS Quality Improvement found the national standard on patient uptake of breast screening had been met by every region for the first time.

However, it still recognised that many were not given results quickly enough.

Doctors insisted early detection of the cancer and subsequent treatment were the key elements to saving the lives of women with the disease in Scotland.

NHS Quality Improvement, in a report published on Wednesday, said that the breast screening programme was improving, with all six regional centres exceeding their target of screening 70% of women.

However, although 95% of women should be given their results within 15 working days, that was not happening.

Scotland can rightly be proud that its breast screening programme is delivering a world class service Sir Graham Teasdale

NHS QIS Chairman Sir Graham Teasdale said: "These are remarkably high uptake rates for any screening programme and that is a real vote of confidence in the services.

"Uptake rates were identified by our 2003 report as an issue and action has been taken. That should also give reassurance to women that the services are always looking to improve.

"On a whole range of standards we see the same picture emerging; all six services meeting criterion after criterion in full. That is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and experience of the staff."

He added: "Even with a report as positive as this, we are always looking for ways to improve and all those working in the breast screening service in Scotland have yet again shown that they are committed to providing the highest possible standards of care.

"Scotland can rightly be proud that its breast screening programme is delivering a world class service."

The Scottish Executive said that the increasing numbers of women who came forward to be screened was a vote of confidence in the service.

The SNP welcomed the progress made but said a Nationalist government would extend screening to the over 40s, not just the over 50s.

The party's health spokeswoman Shona Robison said: "It must be remembered that there is still improvement to be made in waiting times for breast cancer as one in eight breast cancer patients still fail to meet the two-month waiting target.