THE risk of dying from cancer in Scotland has hit a record low, new figures have revealed.
Statistics published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) have shown an 11.1% reduction in mortality rates since 2013, from 333.7 per 100,000 diagnoses to 296.8 per 100,000 in 2022.
The data, published on Tuesday, showed the death rates from the illness are the lowest on record since 1998.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “It is encouraging to see the risk of dying from cancer in Scotland is at a record low. This is down to the hard work of NHS staff, improved treatment options, and people reporting their symptoms at an earlier stage.
“We are determined to further improve cancer survival, reduce waiting times and provide excellent, equitably accessible care right across Scotland.”
Due to Scotland’s ageing population, 69% of all cancer-related deaths recorded in 2022 were individuals aged 70 or older.
“We are taking action to improve the awareness and earlier diagnosis of cancers, including expanding our Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services and our investment of more than £14 million towards cancer waiting times this year”, Gray continued.
“Reducing health inequalities is a clear ambition for this government. Cutting smoking rates is key to tackling lung cancer incidence in areas of deprivation – our world-leading tobacco control measures are helping us in our goal of a Tobacco-Free Scotland by 2034.”
Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen, welcomed the figures, praising the work of NHS staff and action taken by the Scottish Government to improve both treatment options and early detection initiatives.
“One death from cancer is one too many, but these figures are welcome and show the real progress we are making to improve cancer survival under the SNP Government”, she said.
“The fact that the likelihood of dying from cancer is at its lowest level on record is testament to the incredible work that staff in our NHS do throughout Scotland every day. “The SNP is determined to go even further to improve cancer survival across Scotland by taking action to improve awareness and earlier diagnosis of cancers. This includes expanding our Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services and investing more than £14 million to reduce cancer waiting times this year. “Whilst other parties continually talk down our NHS, the SNP is getting on with the job of improving and extending lives by investing to tackle health inequalities and improve health outcomes for people right across Scotland.”
