CANCER: JOHNSTONE URGES ACTION AS 33 PER CENT RISE PROJECTED
Alison Johnstone MSP, the Scottish Greens' health spokesperson, today urged Scottish ministers to improve efforts to screen for cancer and provide early diagnosis, as figures show the number of new cases is predicted to rise by 33 per cent over the next fifteen years.
The Cancer Incidence Projections also show the average number of new cases per year will increase from over 30,500 in 2008-2012 to over 40,000 in 2023-2027. Lung cancer is predicted to continue to be Scotland's most common cancer.
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said:
"Screening and early diagnosis of cancer is essential as our population ages and historic levels of smoking start to come through. Equally important is prevention, and these statistics are a reminder that more needs to be done to address factors influencing cancer.
"We need to improve our diet, our relationship with alcohol and tackle obesity. Scottish ministers need to go beyond modest marketing campaigns and really drive a culture change if we are to beat cancer.
"We need to look at how all major government decisions affect health inequality, and in tackling diet, alcohol and obesity, we should support more community-led efforts."