Scotland Cancer Plan: Pledge to reduce late-stage cases by 5,000
The target was set when the Scottish Government released its new 10-year cancer strategy, with a pledge to reduce incidence through “strong public health measures”, which could include increasing the minimum price of alcohol.
The strategy, which is underpinned by a 136-point action plan, also hints at a possible shift in waiting times targets, saying that a clinically-led review of the latest data and evidence “will determine whether specific additional or alternative standards for cancer waiting times are needed.” make sense”. different types of cancer and cancer treatment”.
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This comes after statistics revealed that less than 72 per cent of cancer patients in Scotland start treatment within 62 days of being referred for diagnostic tests and scans, the worst wait time on record.
dr Sacha Hume, Chair of the Scottish Cancer Coalition and Public Affairs Manager of Cancer Research UK in Scotland, said the plan “has the potential to transform cancer care” if backed by proper investment.
She said, “If the plan is fully funded and implemented, it will help improve the way we diagnose, treat and care for cancer patients.”
“It provides a crucial opportunity to see Scotland’s cancer services transform from being a global laggard to a world leader.”
Due to Scotland’s aging population, cancer incidence is expected to increase by almost 20 per cent to around 42,100 cases per year by 2040.
According to current NHS results, around 42% of cancers are diagnosed as stage III or IV.
If the targets set out in its Cancer Strategy are met, the Scottish Government said this would be reduced to 24% by 2033, adding: “Based on the most recent data available at the time of publication, this would mean that there are around 5,000 fewer people living in Scotland.” In the 10th year, later stage disease was diagnosed.”
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According to the report, this could be achieved through a “redesign of diagnostic services” and increased use of artificial intelligence, biomarkers and multi-cancer screening tests that can screen the blood for traces of different types of cancer, as well as the introduction of targeted midday cancer screening for high-risk individuals -Adults aged 55 to 74 years.
The government will also explore “the use of self-collection blood for cervical cancer screening” to potentially enable more women to use home testing kits instead of having a swab.
By 2033, greater use of telemedicine means patients will only visit clinical facilities “when needed”. The report promises to focus on improved survival rates for cancers with the “biggest burden and worst consequences”, including lung, brain, liver and esophagus, pancreas and stomach.
The report warns that an estimated 13,000 cancer cases a year – 40% of the total – could be prevented through behavior and lifestyle changes.
It says the incidence can be contained if the target of a tobacco-free Scotland by 2034 is met – which means less than 5% of the population smokes.
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The strategy also promises action on obesity and alcohol use through “laws restricting the advertising of unhealthy foods”, consultations on alcohol advertising, discussions on the possibility of introducing mandatory calorie labeling for alcohol and a “change in the unit price” of alcohol within the next few years three years, subject to the results of a Minimum Unit Price (MUP) evaluation, due later this month.
This comes despite criticism from health campaigners after Prime Minister Humza Yousaf shelved key public health measures, including plans to ban retailers from selling junk food as part of multibuy deals.
A consultation on more limited interventions will be launched later this year.
Mr Yousaf has also ordered officials to “back to the drawing board” proposals on alcohol marketing restrictions after a backlash from companies.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson, who unveiled the plan during a visit to Western General Hospital’s cancer center in Edinburgh, stressed that the cancer strategy “takes a strong public health approach, which means more cancers will be prevented”.
He added, “Those in need of diagnosis and treatment will have quick access to quality services.”
“Not only are we able to heal more people, we also understand the importance of treatment in prolonging a good quality of life and providing excellent palliative care.”
Lorraine Dallas, chair of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce Scotland, said she was encouraged to see a “clear commitment” to earlier diagnosis and treatment of cancers with the worst chances of survival.
“These include cancers of the pancreas, lung, stomach, liver, brain and esophagus (the less survivable cancers), for which the average five-year survival rate from diagnosis is only 16%.
“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Scotland and continued focus and action to tackle this problem should be an urgent priority.”
