Scotland launches 10-year cancer strategy

The Scottish Government has launched a new cancer strategy intended to significantly cut the number of people diagnosed with later stage cancer and to reduce the health inequalities associated with the disease.

At the moment, around 42 per cent of cancers are diagnosed at the later stages, but the goal is to reduce the number diagnosed at stages III and IV in year 10 of the plan to 24 per cent.

A three-year Cancer Action Plan with 136 actions has also been released.

Both the three-year and the 10-year plan focus on improving all areas of cancer services, from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment and post-treatment care, with a particular focus on the currently less-survivable cancers.

The plan was launched by health secretary Michael Matheson, while on a visit to the Cancer Centre at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, where he met staff delivering the Single Point of Contact service, which helps ensure patients have dedicated person-centred support throughout their treatment.

He said: "“Our absolute focus is to improve cancer survival and make sure everyone gets excellent and accessible care. The pandemic had a significant impact on all aspects of health and social care, and cancer services were no exception. This Cancer Strategy will make sure we are properly delivering these vital services and clearly directing future investments.

“The strategy takes a strong public health approach, which means more cancers will be prevented. Those who require diagnostics and treatment will have prompt access to quality services. As well as being able to cure more people, we also recognise the importance of treatment to extend good quality life and the provision of excellent palliative care.

“The Scottish Cancer Network will be at the heart of our strategic ambitions, setting out agreed best clinical practice and assuring people with cancer of common standards of care, no matter where they live. We will continue to work closely alongside the NHS, third sector, and industry to deliver quality cancer services for the people of Scotland. The new Scottish Cancer Strategic Board will provide oversight of the strategy and action plan.”