Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that cancer screenings will be suspended as the nation continues to battle COVID-19.
The First Minister said it was "not an easy decision" to suspend cancer screenings for cervical, breast and bowel cancer, as six more people have died from COVID-19.
Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the planned pause on screenings could last up to 12 weeks, although this will be subject to constant review.
Nicola Sturgeon said: "It's not an easy decision, but the balance of risk supports the approach
"We will restart screening programmes as soon as we can. This is a temporary suspension, we will review after 12 weeks or earlier
"If you notice a lump in your breast then you should contact your GP immediately."
Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood said: "I'm afraid that this was another difficult decision that we have had to make
"It was taken with very careful thought and deliberation, but it's a balance of risks that we believe is worth taking
"Our main concern was that people would miss their screening appointments, perhaps because they were not able to attend - they might have been self-isolating
"In pausing the appointments we will be able to re contact those people who were due to be screened during the three month period and then invite them to attend, so that they will not have missed an important part of their healthcare.
