The unit had been based at Craigroyston Community Education Centre in Pennywell Road, but is now being moved after patients were intimidated and stones were thrown at the van.

Staff say the unit, which had only been at the site for ten days and sits near the local police station, had become a focal point for antisocial behaviour which was putting women off going for potentially life-saving examinations.

The decision was taken to move the van less than two miles away to the safety of the Sainsbury's car park at Blackhall after an incident earlier this week in which a teenage boy went onboard and began "leering" at a patient.

Kathryn Halliday, the superintendent radiographer who is in charge of the unit, said that had been the "final straw".

She said: "We put our mobile units all around the area and we had taken it to Craigroyston in the past without any problems. But this time from the outset we've had problems with local youths.

"They have been throwing stones, shouting and making obscene comments. Last Friday, one of the radiographers had her car vandalised.

"And on Monday afternoon a youth came into the van and sat down and started leering at a woman and intimidating her. That was just the final straw for me. I'm not prepared to have my staff worrying all the time."

NHS Lothian say the unit is essential for reaching women in deprived communities who are less likely to come forward for screening.

Up to 60 women a day can be examined by staff working at the unit.

Ms Halliday added: "These youths are spoiling things for their own community. It's their grannies and their mothers that are coming in to get checked and they're putting people off attending. They're preventing their families and relatives from having their cancer detected and potentially having their life saved."

Alan Boyter, director of HR at NHS Lothian, added: "It is shameful that this unit has had to be moved because of the actions of a few individuals."

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said officers were made aware of problems with youth disorder last week around Craigroyston community centre.

"Officers have since been patrolling the area at the relevant times, and were ordered to give immediate attention to any unlawful activity taking place in the vicinity of the community centre. However, we have received no further complaints in respect of youth disorder at this location."

Forth councillor Elaine Morris said she was surprised and disappointed.

She added: "It's very sad that the actions of a few selfish people have made it necessary to move it away to somewhere that ladies in my ward would find it much more difficult to access."