Tag: cancer diagnosis

King to step back from public duties following cancer diagnosis

5.2.24 – A STATEMENT FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE:

During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. 

His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.

The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.

Diagnostic test waiting times: cancer patients waiting too long, says charity

Cancer Research UK’s has responded to the latest diagnostic test waiting times statistics published by Public Health Scotland. Eight tests are considered in the report, including several that are relevant to the diagnosis of cancer. 

These latest figures show that more than 155,000 patients in Scotland were waiting for a key diagnostic test at the end of March 2022. This is a 10% increase compared with the previous quarter and a 74% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels. 

The report also tells us that, of those people waiting, 50% had been waiting more than six weeks for their test at the end of March 2022.

This is similar to the proportion waiting at the end of the previous quarter and more than three times the proportion pre-pandemic, which was 16% at the end of March 2019. The figures also show around 5,400 (3.5%) patients waiting for a test had been waiting over a year, with almost all of these patients waiting for an endoscopy test. 

The Scottish Government standard that no one should be waiting more than six weeks for a diagnostic test hasn’t been met since June 2010. 

David Ferguson, public affairs manager for Cancer Research UK in Scotland, said: “It is unacceptable that people in Scotland are waiting too long for a test to determine whether they have cancer. Early diagnosis followed by swift access to the most effective treatment can save lives.  

“Despite the best efforts of NHS staff, the delays are due to Scotland’s chronic staff shortages in the areas key to diagnosing and treating cancer. These shortages have hampered progress for years – well before the pandemic.

“The Scottish Government must set out long-term, properly funded plans to address workforce shortages and improve cancer services so patients get the care they need and deserve.”

Take Keir: local MSP supports cancer campaign

‘Early diagnosis can save your life. Let’s get checked – it’s worth it!’ – Colin Keir MSP

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Colin Keir, MSP for Edinburgh Western, has thrown his support behind the #GetChecked cancer detection campaign.

The campaign, launched jointly by the Scottish Government and Cancer Research UK at the M&Co store in the Gyle Shopping Centre last week, encourages people to get checked for potential symptoms of cancer in a bid to save more lives. The campaign aims to use check patterns to remind people to get checked.

Mr Keir said “For so long the fear of cancer as well as what was seen as the inevitability of the consequences of being diagnosed with cancer placed a dark cloud over so many individuals and families. These days we have the treatments which give those diagnosed the chance to receive effective treatments.

“The key to this is early diagnosis. We all know our own bodies best so if you spot anything unusual then get to see your GP. It may be nothing but it could be the early diagnosis that will give you the best chance for a full recovery.

“This is the reason I warmly welcome #GetChecked, the new campaign to encourage people to get checked for potential symptoms of cancer in a bid to save more lives in Scotland. It’s fantastic that M&Co at the Gyle Shopping Centre along with their other stores nationally are helping to promote this campaign along with the Scottish Government and Cancer Research UK.

“One thousand people a year can be saved through early diagnosis and treatment, surely that’s a good enough reason to check yourself out regularly. The Wee C initiative is trying to make Scots reduce their fear of cancer which has been found to stop people going to have their problems looked at by their GP. Early diagnosis can save your life, let’s get checked – it’s worth it!”