Cancer survival in Scotland a postcode lottery, Macmillan warns

Macmillan Cancer Support has highlighted data which shows a growing cancer survival gap between people living in the most and least deprived parts of Scotland.

The analysis involved examining survival rates for six common cancers depending on where patients lived via the Information Services Division and found a wide variation between those living in poor and affluent areas.

The analysis examined the survival rate of patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2008 and followed them for five years up to 2013. The results showed there was an increased risk of death for patients living in deprived areas of: 98 per cent for prostate cancer; 89 per cent for breast cancer; 61 per cent for head and neck cancer; 45 per cent for colorectal patients; and 28 per cent liver cancer.

The charity also found that lung cancer patients faced poor outcomes regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The findings were partially due to lower rates of screening uptake and lower rates of treatment in deprived communities, with surgery identified as having had the most influence on survival.

This suggested those from deprived communities were less likely to receive surgery, possibly because of having more advanced cancer or poorer overall health.

Janice Preston, head of Macmillan in Scotland, said: "It's completely unacceptable that someone's chances of surviving cancer could be predicted by their postcode.

"This new research gives us an up-to-date and in-depth understanding of the scale of the cancer survival gap in Scotland.

"It also provides the most comprehensive ever look at the reasons behind it. While the sheer number of factors that impact on survival means there is no magic bullet to solving this problem, this research points to clear areas for improvements, including encouraging earlier diagnosis and the take-up of screening in deprived areas."

A spokesman for the Scottish government countered that cancer mortality rates had fallen by 11 per cent over the past 10 years. However, the government maintained it recognised the need to tackle variations between least and most deprived communities.

The spokesman added: "This is why our cancer strategy, backed by £100 million of additional investment, sets out clear actions aimed at reducing health inequalities.

"We're already seeing results, with increased screening participation and earlier diagnosis, however there's much more still to be done.

"Health inequality is closely linked to income inequality, which is why we have made tackling poverty as a priority."