Funding for cancer services

Health Secretary Shona Robison has announced £2.85 million funding to help improve cancer services so that patients are seen more quickly.

The investment will be directed to health boards to reduce waiting times, particularly to speed up access to diagnostic tests. Discussions are currently being held with the boards to determine the most effective way to spend the money.

The number of people being diagnosed with cancer has increased in recent years, mainly due to the ageing population. Better treatment has also meant more people are cured than ever before, and more are living longer with the disease.

The work will complement the Scottish Government’s £100 million cancer strategy, which aims to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment over the next ten years.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said:

“Our ageing population means that more people are now being diagnosed with cancer. More positively, greater awareness has led to more people coming forward to get their symptoms checked. All this means more demand on services, and that’s a challenge we are ready to meet.

“This investment will support boards to reduce waiting times, and ensure that people get a vital early diagnosis so that treatment, if required, can start as soon as possible. 

“This will build on our cancer strategy, which is now in its second year. Through this we are aiming to improve every aspect of cancer services – prevention, quicker diagnosis, and better treatment.”