People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are a third more likely to get cancer.
Figures released yesterday by the Government’s information services division showed a seven per cent increase in cancer diagnosis in Scotland.
This is partly because people are living longer – with about 75 per cent of those with cancer 60 or older when diagnosed.
But people living in the most deprived areas are still more likely to get the disease – with historical smoking one of the root causes.
The Cancer Experience Survey 2018 was also published yesterday.
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Carried out by the Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support, it found respondents were positive about their care experience.
But Macmillan said it also revealed people were missing out on emotional, financial and practical support.
Scottish Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, Monica Lennon MSP, said there was room for improvement from the SNP Government.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We’ve invested £100million to improve the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of those affected by cancer but we can always do more.
“The results of this survey will support us in making further improvements in cancer care across Scotland and we will work to ensure all patients have the information they need about their treatment and support.”
