‘No time to lose:' Cancer cases expected to rise by more than a fifth

Responding to figures from Public Health Scotland and Cancer Research UK which show that the number of cancer cases is predicted to rise by 22%, with the average number of cases per year expected to rise to 42,000 by 2038-40, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:  

“This SNP government have no time to lose.  

“Many Scots diagnosed with cancer are being forced to wait day after day for the help they need. Ministers must pull out all the stops to bring down waiting times and ensure that all those eligible for screening programmes are being invited and encouraged to attend.  

“Access to screening programmes, particularly in rural areas, can be difficult. To ensure patients receive early intervention, it is vital that the government stamp out this postcode lottery.  

“The Health Secretary must bring a new plan to the table which will give patients access to the best care for the best chance of recovery.”