Successful initiative to be rolled out across the country
A programme giving dedicated support to cancer patients throughout their treatment will be rolled out nationwide.
Following the success of 12 pilot projects, which received over £5 million in funding between 2022 and March 2025, an additional £1 million will be provided annually to expand the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) programme, reaching more people with cancer than ever before. An assessment by Healthcare Improvement Scotland found that over a 12-month period, SPOC services had more than 30,000 interactions with people affected by cancer.
The SPOC makes life easier for patients with cancer, providing easy access to clinical teams providing information and advice about appointments, tests and results, and explaining what clinical and non-clinical support is available for them and their family.
Patient feedback from the pilots highlighted reduced stress around appointments, quicker access to blood results, more time for questions, and greater emotional support. Staff reported improved wellbeing and more time for professional development and clinical care.
Announcing the expansion at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where the SPOC navigation team has supported patients since early 2023, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am very pleased to roll-out this invaluable initiative which gives people with cancer a consistent contact throughout their treatment, enabling specialist staff to focus on complex clinical care.
“The Single Point of Contact service ensures cancer patients know exactly who they can turn to when they need advice about their diagnosis or care. The expansion of this programme means more people can benefit from this type of one-to-one support which is truly making a difference.”
NHS Forth Valley Deputy Medical Director Professor Karen Adamson said: “Digital follow-up for patients with prostate cancer is transforming how we support people after diagnosis. It offers a convenient and efficient way for patients to receive their results and ongoing follow-up, without the need for unnecessary hospital visits.
“In 2024–25, 391 patients received their results and follow-up digitally, releasing the equivalent of 26 Clinical Nurse Specialist clinics so more patients can be seen and supported. Feedback shows patients value the service, describing it as quick, convenient and reassuring.
“This approach reflects our commitment to value-based health and care – improving patient experience and outcomes while making the best possible use of specialist clinical time.”
Researchers find new way to “reenergise” immune cells
SUPERCHARGING immune cells could provide an effective way to tackle cancer, according to new research by scientists in Scotland.
The team at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in Glasgow studied how the immune system works and why it becomes “exhausted” by cancer.
T cells, which are the immune system’s front line against disease, eventually become overcome by cancer allowing it to grow.
Their research, published in Cell Reports, has identified a potential way to “boost” T cells, a key defence against cancer.
Lead researcher Professor Victoria Cowling, of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and University of Glasgow, said:“T cells need to rapidly multiply and produce proteins to fight off infections. That requires a huge amount of energy.
“We’ve discovered that a little-known enzyme, called CMTR1, helps switch on the energy supply by changing how certain genes work.
“If we can find ways to boost this process, we could improve how the immune system responds to cancer which could be a game-changer in how we treat the disease.”
CMTR1 plays a vital role in energising T cells, acting as a switch to help the immune cells ramp up their energy production.
The team found that CMTR1 tweaks the instructions inside cells — known as RNA — so that the right versions of energy-related proteins are made.
These proteins help shape the mitochondria, which are like tiny batteries inside cells. With the right shape, mitochondria can produce more energy, helping T cells stay strong and active.
Without CMTR1, the mitochondria break apart and don’t work properly, leaving T cells weak and unable to fight off infections effectively. With CMTR1 present, T cells have more energy allowing them to proliferate and fight infection.
Next steps would be to identify new or existing treatments which increase CMTR1 to give exhausted T cells the power to tackle cancer cells.
Cancer Research UK Director of Research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said:“Scientific breakthroughs like this have the potential to transform how we see and, crucially, how we treat cancer.
“Our immune system is a key area of cancer research and scrutinising how it works can help create real-world impact for those affected by cancer.”
In Scotland, around 34,800* people are diagnosed with cancer each year, with around 16,400** people dying from the disease annually, so finding new ways to tackle the disease is vital.
The study was funded by Cancer Research UK, the European Research Council, the Medical Research Council, and the Wellcome Trust.
NEW REFERRAL GUIDELINES FOR SUSPECTED GUIDELINES PUBLISHED
Clinicians will be able to refer patients with symptoms which might indicate cancer for tests more quickly following the introduction of new revised guidelines, the Scottish government has announced.
For the first time, the guidelines include referral criteria for people with non-specific but concerning symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, nausea or weight loss – helping ensure more patients can be assessed earlier, even when their symptoms don’t point clearly to a single type of cancer.
The updated Scottish Referral Guidelines (SRGs) for Suspected Cancer provide primary care clinicians with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidance to help identify patients with signs and symptoms suspicious of cancer who require urgent referral for specialist assessment.
Visiting the Forth Valley Royal Hospital’s recently opened Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS), Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are treating more cancer patients now than ever before, and these guidelines are a vital tool in helping GPs and primary care teams identify symptoms that may indicate cancer and make swift referrals to specialist services.
“For the first time, we now have nationally agreed guidance to support clinicians in referring patients with non-specific symptoms, which is a significant step forward in our mission to detect cancer earlier.
“I’m particularly pleased to mark this milestone at NHS Forth Valley, where Scotland’s newest Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service is already delivering faster answers for patients. This is a clear example of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the right person is on the right pathway at the right time.”
Dr Phil Hodkinson, Co-Clinical Lead of the Centre for Sustainable Delivery’s Cancer Improvement and Earlier Diagnosis Team and Chair of the SRG Review, said: “The clinical review of the Scottish Referral Guidelines (SRG) for Suspected Cancer was a collective effort from the clinical community across NHS Scotland.
“We all want to find cancer as early as possible for our patients when it’s easier to treat and even cure. These guidelines, based on latest available evidence, will help support these endeavours by ensuring the right patient is put on the right pathway at the right time.”
Cancer Research UK’s head of strategic evidence, Samantha Harrison, said: “We put people affected by cancer at the heart of everything we do so welcomed the opportunity to support this key part of the Cancer Action plan for Scotland.
“By reviewing and sharing insights, we’ve helped ensure health care professionals have the evidence they need to spot cancer earlier and refer patients quickly. Early diagnosis of cancer is vital. The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the more options there are for treating it, and the better people’s outcomes are likely to be.”
The review of the guidelines was led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), in partnership with Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Cancer Research UK. It involved extensive clinical engagement and a detailed assessment of the latest international evidence and Scottish cancer data.
The updated SRGs are now available to all healthcare professionals and supported by educational materials, with the aim of ensuring consistent use across the country.
Scotmid has partnered with leading cancer support charity Maggie’s and greeting card brand Hallmark to become the only retail store selling a unique and heartfelt collection of cancer support cards, helping customers show they care while supporting a vital cause.
Developed by Hallmark in collaboration with Maggie’s, the six-card range was created to provide honest, compassionate messages for those living with cancer and their loved ones.
Each card features thoughtful, emotionally resonant wording such as “I’m here for you”, “Treatment completed”, and “I loved you before cancer and love you now”, offering a powerful way to express support and solidarity during difficult times.
The collection is illustrated by Hallmark designer Lisa Ellson, who was inspired by her own cancer diagnosis and the loss of both parents. Her personal insight brings warmth and authenticity to each design, moving away from traditional ‘battle’ language and focusing instead on empathy and connection.
As part of Scotmid’s 2024–2025 charity partnership with Maggie’s, 10p from every card sold in Scotmid stores will be donated to Maggie’s, helping to fund expert, free cancer support services through their network of welcoming centres across Scotland and the UK.
Lynne Ogg, Head of Membership & Community at Scotmid, said: “We’re proud to be the exclusive retail partner bringing this beautiful and meaningful card range to our customers.
“These designs help say the things that are often hardest to express, and every card sold helps Maggie’s continue their extraordinary work supporting people through cancer.”
Hannah Harding, Partnerships Lead at Maggie’s, added: “This partnership with Scotmid and Hallmark brings together compassion, creativity, and community.
“These cards offer a way to connect and comfort – and by purchasing them in Scotmid, customers are also helping Maggie’s be there for more people when they need us most.”
The cards are available now, in Scotmid stores across Edinburgh, offering a way to support loved ones with sincerity, while raising vital funds for one of the UK’s most trusted cancer support charities
People across Scotland encouraged to get potential symptoms checked earlier
The latest phase of the Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign has a new focus on head and neck cancer symptoms.
Around 1,300 new cases are diagnosed each year – Scotland’s sixth most common cancer – yet only one third are detected early. The campaign encourages people to recognise possible cancer symptoms and not delay contacting their GP practice or dentist.
To emphasise this message, a group of people who had their cancer detected early, the ‘early birds’, met Health Secretary Neil Gray to share vital stories of how this provided more treatment options, helped them live well and allowed them to continue doing the things they love.
The group are urging people with unusual, persistent symptoms to do the same and act early.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray said: “Early detection is so important to cancer care. The stories from our ‘early birds’ demonstrate the positive impact it can have on treatment and outcomes.
“So, I’m urging everyone to make sure they contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms. The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. So, let’s be vigilant – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early.”
Dr Gillian Leslie, Deputy Chief Dental Officer for Scotland, said: “Head and neck cancer incidence rates have gradually increased over the past decade, making early detection more important than ever.
“Dentists play a vital role in detecting signs of cancer. Routine dental examinations allow us to identify subtle changes in the mouth and throat, and surrounding tissues that could signal early-stage cancer.
“Early diagnosis leads to better treatment options, so we urge people to attend their check-ups. Most importantly, if you notice any sores, lumps, red or white patches that do not go away after three weeks, don’t wait until your next appointment – we want to see you. It’s crucial not to dismiss any potential symptoms. Get checked right away.”
Dr Douglas Rigg, GP said: “If you are worried about unexplained bleeding, an unusual lump, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for you, we want to know.
“Don’t be embarrassed or sit at home worrying, give your GP practice a call. It probably won’t be cancer but if it is, finding cancer earlier can mean a much wider range of treatment options being available, and a better chance of living well again.”
Case study
Daniel Morrison, 30, from Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, was one of the early birds at the breakfast meeting with Neil Gray. He was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer but is now recovering and living well with his young family thanks to early detection at his GP practice.
Daniel said: “It’s thanks to spotting my cancer early that I’m now delighted to say I’m in recovery and able to look forward excitedly to the future with my young family.
“I’d noticed fluid under my tongue and felt really fatigued but it’d be easy to try and ignore as nothing. I’m so thankful however that I got checked early, treated and looked after by a team of amazing medical experts throughout.
“This is why I’m passionate about the Scottish Government’s Be the Early Bird campaign – it’s so important that people understand the difference contacting your GP practice early can make.”
Cancer death rates are around 80% higher for people living in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared to the least deprived, a new report from Cancer Research UK reveals.
The report, titled Cancer in the UK 2025: Socioeconomic Deprivation, found that there are around 4,300 extra cancer deaths in Scotland each year linked to socioeconomic inequality. This equates to 12 additional deaths each day – around a quarter of all deaths from cancer.
Almost half of these additional deaths are caused by lung cancer, where the death rate for the most deprived areas is almost three and a half times that of the least deprived areas of Scotland.
More than a tenth of all cancer diagnoses in Scotland are linked to deprivation. Many of these cases are caused by preventable risk factors such as smoking.
Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer in Scotland, and rates in the most deprived parts of the country are more than four times those in the least deprived.
In publishing the report, Cancer Research UK is calling for urgent action to tackle these stark inequalities.
One vital opportunity to do so is the upcoming vote in Scotland for new legislation which will see an increase in the age of sale of tobacco.
If MSPs vote for the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, it would become illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born after 1st January 2009.
This vote will pave the way for the Bill to become law in Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK.
Dr Sorcha Hume, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Where you live shouldn’t increase your risk of dying from this devastating disease.These figures are shocking and unacceptable and crucially many of these cancer deaths are avoidable.
“With almost half of the additional deaths being caused by lung cancer, it’s clear that action on smoking is needed urgently.
“Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, a disease that is often diagnosed late when treatment options are more limited.
“One of the ways we can prevent lung cancer is to deter people from ever taking up smoking in the first place.
“If MSPs vote in support of the age of sale legislation in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, it could be one of the most impactful public health interventions in living memory, helping people to live longer, better lives, no matter where they live in Scotland.”
Introducing a lung cancer screening programme in Scotland would also help address these inequalities.
The UK National Screening Committee has recommended that all UK nations move towards implementing a national lung cancer screening programme to target those considered to be of high risk of developing lung cancer – people aged between 55 and 74 who either smoke or used to smoke.
A targeted lung screening programme is being introduced in England, but no such commitment has been made by the Scottish Government.
If lung screening were to be introduced, around 400 extra cases each year in Scotland could be diagnosed at an early stage (stages 1 and 2) rather than a late stage (stages 3 and 4).
Dr Hume added: “Lung screening matters because it means more people can be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
“Research has consistently shown that lung screening is effective at reducing deaths from cancer so it’s essential a Scotland-wide programme is introduced here as soon as possible.”
A groundbreaking new imaging approach developed by researchers at Heriot-Watt University has shown ‘extremely encouraging’ results in early-stage clinical trials on prostate cancer at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
The ongoing clinical trial demonstrated an initial 94% sensitivity rate in tumour detection. The new test is delivered in less than 20 minutes and relies on existing clinical ultrasound equipment.
The cost of an ultrasound scanner is a fraction of an MRI scanner (around 10%), so the new approach provides clinicians with a valuable new tool to help better guide prostate biopsies and focal therapy, a technique that destroys cancer cells.
All men are at risk of prostate cancer with 1 in 8 diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. 52,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – 144 every day.
Currently, a relatively unreliable blood test, called a Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA test, means many men are unnecessarily sent for an expensive MRI scan in an attempt to spot cancerous tissue. Current long waiting lists for tests mean treatment can be delayed.
Despite using multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI – a specialist type of scan) for prostate cancer diagnosis, up to 28% of clinically significant tumours are missed and 1 in every 2 individuals with positive MRI findings receive a negative biopsy result.
Less Grey Imaging Ltd is a spin-out from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, with the mission to bring greater clarity to prostate imaging. The technology offers clinicians up to a 20-fold increase in resolution compared to mpMRI, which provides a grey and difficult-to-read image.
The new imaging test begins by injecting a commonly used contrast agent into a vein that contains millions of tiny and harmless microbubbles that travel through the patient’s bloodstream to the prostate.
The team uses a technique known as super resolution ultrasound imaging (SRUI) to track these microbubbles as they flow inside the prostate. Due to the altered blood flow in cancerous tissue, the image highlights previously unseen tumours, enabling earlier diagnosis.
Dr. George Papageorgiou, CEO of Less Grey Imaging, explains how the new technique aligns well with histopathology, the diagnosis and study of diseases of the tissues which involves examining tissues or cells under a microscope. He said: “Our initial clinical findings in prostate imaging align well with histopathology, highlighting its potential to reliably detect clinically significant prostate cancer.
“Currently, prostate cancer diagnosis varies widely across the country, with many patients being diagnosed too late for curative treatment. By integrating ultrasound more prominently into the diagnostic pathway, we can ensure equal opportunities for early diagnosis across all regions of the UK.
“Less Grey Imaging’s mission is to revolutionise prostate imaging by delivering clarity and precision. Urologists will have an imaging tool that enables accurate diagnoses and quicker decision-making. Our software deploys existing ultrasound equipment to enhance image quality down to microscopic detail. By minimising reliance on radiologist assessment, we intend to streamline workflows, reduce NHS costs, and improve patient efficiency.”
The potential of the technology has been recognised by Innovate UK, which awarded the company a £370,000 grant through its ICURe Exploit Funding programme. This is being used to support the company’s product development and attract further investment.
The UK has a higher cancer mortality rate compared to several other developed countries, and more recently, the Darzi report, a bleak review of the NHS published in September 2024, revealed that waiting times targets for the first treatment for cancer have not been met since December 2015.
Professor Vassilis Sboros from Heriot-Watt University and co-founder of Less Grey Imaging, explained how the technique can help support an NHS that is fit for the future. He said:“Our super-resolution ultrasound imaging technology provides a leap in imaging resolution.
“By utilising existing ultrasound scanners found in hospitals and clinics worldwide, we’re able to produce high-resolution images of the prostate that clinicians have never seen before. This is exactly what the new Government needs to tackle the challenges facing the NHS.
“Back in 2019, we proved the concept worked in our lab but now we have shown it works during our initial patient trials. It’s just like looking inside the body with a microscope, allowing clinicians to see 20 times more detail than before. Even concealed tumours are possible to identify.
“With one man dying from prostate cancer every 45 minutes in the UK, we hope earlier detection will radically improve treatment outcomes, saving lives while reducing the number of people sent for unnecessary and often risky tests.”
Professor Alan McNeill is a Consultant Urological Surgeon at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh and founder trustee of charity Prostate Scotland. He said: “The initial trial results are extremely encouraging, providing really useful information for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. This is the most common cancer in men but, if it is caught early while the cancer remains within the prostate, it can be cured in the majority of cases.
“The technology has the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy, help clinicians like me to carry out more targeted biopsies and even focus treatments with greater precision.
“I can anticipate it benefiting treatments like focal therapy by allowing us to pinpoint and treat cancerous tissue with greater accuracy. Nearly every week, my colleagues and I meet men in their 50s or early 60s suffering from advanced prostate cancer that leaves them with fewer treatment options. We continue to raise awareness and encourage earlier diagnosis for all men.”
Gary Tait was treated for prostate cancer five years ago after his wife, a practice nurse, encouraged him to see his GP. He is now Chair of Edinburgh & Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group. He said: “Being diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer is an incredibly anxious time so it is very positive to see these trial results which indicate that the new ultrasound technique could lead to more accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer.
“From the perspective of men who are unaware of a developing tumour in their prostate, this improved method of diagnosis could lead to earlier treatment which improves the likelihood of a good outcome.
“We fully support the development of this new technology which raises the possibility of enabling more men to be both diagnosed and treated earlier than they can be at present.”
Professor Gill Murray, deputy principal of business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “This breakthrough exemplifies Heriot-Watt’s commitment to transforming innovative research into real-world healthcare solutions with global applications.
“Less Grey Imaging represents exactly the kind of high-impact spinout company we aim to nurture – one that combines cutting-edge science with clear commercial potential and significant societal benefit.
“These early clinical trials are particularly encouraging as they demonstrate how our research excellence can help address critical healthcare challenges while creating economic opportunities.
“By developing technology that makes cancer diagnosis more accessible and accurate, we’re supporting the NHS and positioning Scotland as a leader in medical innovation.
“Addressing global challenges through the real world application of our research is why we established our Global Research Institutes. Each institute has its own distinctive DNA, and our global research institute in health and care technologies excels in the creation and growth of new innovative businesses.
“Less Grey is a fantastic example of one of these businesses and perfectly aligns with our enterprise strategy of fostering research-led companies that can scale globally while delivering tangible benefits to patients and healthcare systems worldwide.”
Fighting cancer is one of the five key themes for Health and Care Technologies. Anyone interested in collaborating with the new Health and Care Technologies global research institute at Heriot-Watt University can contact GRID@hw.ac.uk.
A new report by the Patients Association, funded by Bristol Myers Squibb, sheds light on the stark health inequities faced by patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders, revealing significant disparities driven by social determinants of health, systemic barriers, and discrimination.
The report also offers recommendations to improve access to equitable healthcare.
The report identifies critical issues such as economic and social factors, mistrust in healthcare services, systemic racism, and lack of joined-up care, all of which exacerbate health inequalities for underserved communities.
The report calls for a patient-centred approach that prioritises shared decision-making to ensure cancer and/or blood disorder patients are treated as equal partners in their care. It also calls for a multi-agency approach to tackle health disparities, aligning national and local strategies, such as NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 framework, to enhance access to early cancer diagnosis.
The report finds that cancer and/or blood disorder patients from underserved communities consistently experience worse health outcomes and lower standards of care. Contributing factors include delays in diagnosis, lower uptake of screening programmes, and mistrust of healthcare systems. Barriers such as low health literacy, cultural insensitivity from staff, and systemic discrimination further hinder equitable access to care.
Patients interviewed for this report highlighted several critical issues, including difficulty navigating healthcare systems and insufficient communication about their rights and available benefits. Many patients reported transportation and medication costs causing financial difficulties.
Organisations working with underserved communities reinforced these findings, emphasising the pervasive mistrust in the health among marginalised communities. This mistrust often results from discrimination, such as delayed diagnoses and unequal access to treatment. LGBTQ+ patients and those with sickle cell disease described particularly hostile or dismissive interactions with healthcare providers.
The report also draws attention to the role of social determinants of health, such as inadequate housing, poverty, and living in a deprived neighbourhood. These factors are closely linked to higher rates of cancer and mortality, as well as reduced access to essential healthcare resources.
Tackling these challenges requires urgent action at both a national and local level. The Patients Association calls on policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to work together to ensure equitable access to care for all.
Reflecting on the report, Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said: ““Equitable healthcare is an urgent necessity. It is deeply concerning that barriers such as systemic discrimination, financial hardship, and mistrust of the health and care system persist, disproportionately affecting underserved communities.
“Only by addressing these disparities can we achieve a health and care system that provides equality and dignity for all. We call on the government and the health and care system to align national and local strategies, address the social determinants of health, and foster trust between patients and healthcare providers.
“We must work together to close these gaps and build a system rooted in fairness, trust, and accessibility.”
Radio presenter and resident ‘early bird’ Des Clarke took to Buchanan Street to share latest research from the Scottish Government with the people of Glasgow and get their thoughts.
People across Scotland are being urged to ‘Be the Early Bird’ as part of the Scottish Government’s awareness raising campaign to empower people with possible cancer symptoms to contact their GP practice.
In recent research conducted by the Scottish Government*, more than four in five people in Scotland (83%) said they would report an item missing from a delivery order within a day, but nearly a third (32%) of people in Scotland said they would wait days, weeks and even months to contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.
The research, which surveyed over 2,000 people in Scotland, also showed that 87% of people in Scotland say they would respond to an urgent text from a friend within an hour, as opposed to more than 2 in 5 (42%) who would take days, weeks or even months to contact their GP practice as soon as they experienced a persistent hoarse voice.
Another finding showed that nearly nine out of ten people in Scotland (86%) would contact their GP practice within two days if their child / a child in their care was ill, however, if they had a persistent cough that had lasted more than three weeks, just over one in five (21%) said they’d wait at least another week to get in touch with their GP practice.
The Scottish Government wants to tackle these issues with its ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign, which aims to reinforce the benefits of finding cancer at an earlier stage when there’s more treatment options available, a greater likelihood of living well after treatment, and better news to tell the family.
Des Clarke, breakfast radio presenter, resident ‘early bird’ and advocate for the campaign, recently took to the streets of Glasgow to share the research with locals who confirmed the research’s findings – many people in Scotland would put off contacting their GP practice and are likely to help someone else before themselves.
Des Clarke, Radio Presenter said: “The Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign is so important as cancer is something that affects many of us in some way.This research proves what we all know to be true anecdotally with many people placing greater importance on other things and allowing their health to slip down the priority list.
“I encourage everyone in Scotland to make sure they contact their GP practice if they notice any persistent symptoms or issues that are out of the ordinary – your GP practice wants to know.”
Ross MacDuff, Joint National Clinical Lead for Earlier Cancer Diagnosis at the National Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), said: “Finding cancer in its earliest stages is really key to maximising treatment options.
“That’s why it’s so important that anyone who is experiencing persistent symptoms that are unusual for them contacts their GP practice so they can be assessed as soon as possible and referred, if appropriate, to the correct specialist.
“Whether it is you that has possible symptoms, a family member or friend, please don’t put off making an appointment with your GP practice. If cancer is confirmed earlier, a much wider range of treatment options can be available, and the body can respond better to treatment.”
Health Secretary, Neil Gray said: “Early detection is crucial in cancer care. So, I urge everyone to prioritise their health and make sure you contact your GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.
“The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. So, let’s be vigilant – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early.”
