MORE women will be able to be tested to see if they have a gene that puts them at greater risk of developing breast cancer, the Health Secretary has said.
Alex Neil added that he hoped Hollywood star Angelina Jolie speaking out about her decision to have a preventative double mastectomy would spur women on to seek medical advice. Jolie, 37, revealed last week she had the surgery after being told by doctors she had an 87% chance of developing breast cancer.
Currently, women in Scotland can undergo genetic testing if doctors believe they have a 20% chance of developing breast cancer. This figure will be cut to 10% next month.
Meanwhile, Beating Bowel Cancer charity has told MSPs many patients suffering from the disease were "simply unable to access treatment because of where they live".
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