Risk of cancer death drops by 11.1 per cent to record low
The data, published on Tuesday, showed the death rates from the illness are the lowest on record since 1998.
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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.'
MSP for Rutherglen Clare Haughey 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', Haughey said.
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'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.'
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The National
5 hours ago
- The National
Risk of cancer death drops by 11.1 per cent to record low
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. READ MORE: Chemical company fined £100k after worker suffers 'serious burns' 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.' MSP for Rutherglen Clare Haughey 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', Haughey said. READ MORE: Ayrshire trust in race to raise £200k for community ownership of B-listed church '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.'
The Herald Scotland
6 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Cancer deaths up although risk of dying from disease falls to new low
Cancer deaths in Scotland have risen over a 10-year period, despite figures showing the risk of dying from the disease is at the lowest on record. New data showed that the European Age Standardised Rate (EASR) for cancer deaths – which set out the risk of dying from the disease – fell to 296.8 per 100,000 population for 2022. That is down by 2.9% on the previous year, with a decrease of 11.1% compared to 2013, with the EASR now at the lowest it has been in data that goes back to 1998. However, figures published by Public Health Scotland showed that between 2013 and 2022 cancer deaths rose by 3.2%, from 15,764 to 16,265. This increase 'largely reflects an increase in the proportion of older age groups within the population, and the fact that cancer is more common among older people', the report from Public Health Scotland said. READ MORE: In 2022, more than two-thirds (69%) of all cancer deaths were in people aged seventy and over, the figures showed. Meanwhile four cancers – lung, bowel, breast and prostate – accounted for almost half (46%) of cancer deaths in that year, the report added. Lung cancer remained as the most common cause of cancer deaths, with a total of 3,925 people dying as a result of this in 2022 – almost a quarter (24.1%) of all cancer deaths that year. The report also found that in 2022 cases of cancer were almost a quarter (23.9%) higher in the most deprived parts of Scotland than they were in the least deprived communities – and mortality rates were 78% higher in the poorest areas. Public Health Scotland said that 'mortality reflects the combined effects of increased risk and poorer survival from cancer in more deprived areas'. The report also noted that while overall cancer death rates have declined for both men and women since 2012, there had been 'notable increases' for some forms of the disease. Liver cancer deaths have risen by 15% amongst men and by 20% amongst women over the period 2013 to 2022. However, Public Health Scotland said; 'Nearly half (49%) of liver cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes such as reducing obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and preventing viral liver infections.' Labour health spokesperson, Dame Jackie Baillie, said it was 'deeply worrying that the number of cancer deaths in Scotland has risen over the course of a decade'. She added that these deaths include 'an alarming increase in the number of men dying from cancer, with a rise of 5% between 2013 and 2022.' Dame Jackie said the Scottish Government was 'moving too slowly on its commitment to introduce lung cancer screening'. She further insisted: 'SNP ministers must also act urgently to improve waiting times for cancer treatment as almost a third of patients referred to the NHS in Scotland are waiting longer than the 62-day target to start treatment.' Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the figures showed that 'cancer patients cannot depend on this SNP Government'. Hitting out at SNP ministers the Liberal Democrat said: 'In Scotland, more people die of lung cancer than any other form of disease. Survival rates aren't much better than what they were in the 1970s. 'International studies show Scotland falling behind with cancer care. The SNP's failure to roll out a national lung cancer screening programme is another example of that.' He added: 'My party wants to see the government ending their dithering and making a full rollout of this screening programme a top priority. 'We know there isn't a moment to lose when it comes to getting cancer patients life-saving interventions.' However 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.' He added: 'We are determined to further improve cancer survival, reduce waiting times and provide excellent, equitably accessible care right across Scotland.' The Health Secretary said the Scottish Government is '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'. He also stated: '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.'
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
People with heart problems to get treatment online as NHS given green light
Seven million people in the UK could be affected by the new draft guidance People suffering from cardiac conditions could soon access rehabilitation programmes from the comfort of their own homes following new draft guidance unveiled on August 19. Six digital platforms have received conditional recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for deployment across the NHS, though the approach won't suit every patient. Activate Your Heart, D REACH-HF, Digital Heart Manual, Gro Health HeartBuddy, KiActiv and myHeart, are the approved platforms set to be used over a three-year period. They will be used while authorities compile data regarding their long-term effectiveness to tackle certain doubts surrounding the schemes. These digital rehabilitation services provide fitness regimens, nutritional guidance, learning resources, medicine oversight and mental health assistance. Certain platforms additionally feature wearable technology to track physical activity levels. Specialists claimed the schemes "offer real potential to transform" the delivery of this care category to individual patients. Approximately seven million Britons are thought to be impacted by cardiovascular illness covered by this fresh guidance, yet conventional rehabilitation schemes suffer from poor participation rates. During 2023, merely 41% of people with acute coronary syndrome, encompassing ailments such as heart attack and angina, took part in cardiac rehabilitation schemes across England. Just 13% of heart failure patients enrolled in the programmes during their recuperation. Rehabilitation for these conditions can slash the risk of additional heart troubles and hospital stays. Currently, these services are typically provided on the NHS through in-person consultations. Participation rates are notably poor amongst women, younger people, ethnic minorities, those in disadvantaged communities and others who find it difficult to attend face-to-face sessions. It's hoped that shifting this treatment online could boost the number of people getting involved. Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, healthtech programme director at Nice, said: "These digital platforms offer real potential to transform how cardiac rehabilitation is offered to people to meet their individual circumstances. "We know that traditional programmes aren't reaching everyone who could benefit - particularly women, younger patients and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. "The early data is promising and suggests, with safeguards in place, more people should now be given the opportunity to use these new technologies. "This three-year evidence collection period will give us the additional robust data we need to determine whether these innovations should be recommended as a permanent part of cardiac care." Nevertheless, NICE has acknowledged that the digital rehabilitation won't be appropriate for all patients. A qualified NHS healthcare professional will still be required to carry out a comprehensive clinical evaluation before recommending these platforms to individual patients. Following a three-year period of evidence collection, NICE will assess the data and make a decision on whether the technology can be regularly integrated into the NHS. A consultation on the conditional recommendation is currently in progress and will conclude on 3 September. NICE stated that seven other platforms – Beat Better, Datos Health, Get Ready, Luscii vitals, Pumping Marvellous Cardiac Rehab Platform, R Plus Health and Sword Move – require further research before they can receive NHS funding.
