New analysis shows that three out of five Scots diagnosed with a “less survivable cancer” die within a year.
Ministers are being urged to address the “desperate situation” faced by those diagnosed with some forms of the disease, with campaigners calling for action to improve survival rates. The new analysis shows that the average one year survival for a patient diagnosed with what is classed as a “less survivable cancer” in Scotland is just 39%.
Survival rates for these forms – which are lung, liver, brain, oesophagus, pancreas and stomach cancer – are in contrast with the overall cancer survival rate in Scotland, with almost three quarters (71%) of patients still alive 12 months after diagnosis. In the wake of the figures the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce Scotland is demanding the Scottish set up a dedicated national action plan.
Across the UK more than 90,000 people a year are diagnosed with one of the less survivable cancers – with deaths from these forms of the disease accounting for nearly all common cancer deaths. But these forms of cancer are often diagnosed at a later stage than other types of the disease are, and can receive less research funding. Lorraine Dallas, chairwoman of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce Scotland, added that survival rates for these cancers are also the poorest in the UK.
With 61% of people in Scotland who are diagnosed with a cancer of the lung, liver, brain, oesophagus, pancreas or stomach dying within a year of diagnosis, she called for action. Ms Dallas said: “The data released today is an urgent reminder of the desperate situation for people diagnosed with cancer of the lung, liver, brain, oesophagus, pancreas or stomach. It’s not just a statistic, it represents thousands of lives, families and communities affected by these devastating diseases.”
She continued: “As a taskforce we are reiterating our call for the development of a national action plan dedicated to less survivable cancers in Scotland. Whilst we have a Scottish Cancer Strategy we have the poorest survival rates for these cancers in the UK, more needs to be done to change that. By prioritising awareness, research, early diagnosis and the development of more effective treatments we can drastically improve outcomes for patients.”
Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie also demanded action, saying: “It is deeply concerning to learn that over half of people in Scotland diagnosed with these aggressive diseases will not survive beyond a year. I stand firmly with the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce in their mission to raise awareness and advocate for vital improvements in research and treatment options to increase life expectancies and to give hope to those affected.”
Meanwhile, Claire Crothers, 45, from Motherwell, told how her 67-year-old mother died in June 2024, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April that year. Ms Crothers said: “My mum’s experience was horrific. She was diagnosed in April last year after experiencing jaundice and weight loss and there were no treatment options available for her.
“She died at the end of June after a lot of pain and suffering. It’s disgraceful that the survival rates for pancreatic cancer haven’t improved in decades. It can’t continue like this, everyone deserves a chance to live and they should not be written off.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Cancer remains a national priority, with our Cancer Strategy aiming to improve cancer survival and provide excellent, equitably accessible care. We recognise the need to do more, and our underpinning Cancer Action Plan includes specific actions to help us, diagnose, treat and support those with less survivable cancers to improve their experiences and outcomes.
“Earlier diagnosis is critical to improving outcomes, which is why continue to invest in our Detect Cancer Earlier Programme and we will open our sixth Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service this year. These services are helping us find cancer faster for those with non-specific symptoms, key for these kinds of cancers.”
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