Tag: Public Health Scotland

Cancer charity concern as latest bowel screening statistics published

The latest report by Public Health Scotland (PHS) provides an annual update to key performance indicators for the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme. The report includes uptake, laboratory and clinical outcomes of screened individuals, for those invited from May 2023 to April 2025.

For the two-year period from 01 May 2023 to 30 April 2025, over 1.9 million people were invited to complete a home bowel screening test:

  • Two-thirds of people successfully returned their kit (65.2% uptake), meeting the programme minimum uptake target of 60%. Uptake was higher in females (67.7%) than males (62.7%).
Bar chart showing percentage uptake of screening program across SIMD quintiles, for males and females with a red dashed line indicating a 60% program target. Uptake is highest in least deprived quintile 5 for both sexes, exceeding the target, and decreases progressively toward most deprived quintile 1, where uptake falls below 60%.
Image captionUptake by deprivation category and sex, May 2023 to April 2025
  • There was a 22.1 percentage point gap between uptake in the most (52.3%) and least (74.4%) deprived population quintiles as measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). Uptake for both men and women in the most deprived areas was below the programme target of 60%.
  • 34,676 people (2.8% of the tests) had a positive result and were referred for a colonoscopy – a more detailed investigation. Three-quarters received a colonoscopy, while most of the remaining quarter either chose not to proceed or had medical reasons that made it unsuitable. This was similar to last year’s report.
  • While waiting times for screening colonoscopies have improved generally, only four out of 10 (41.5%) people received their colonoscopy within four weeks of their positive referral. This was an increase of 12.7 percentage points since last year’s report. However, two out of 10 people (18.6%) waited more than eight weeks for their colonoscopy. This was a reduction of 10.0 percentage points since last year’s report.
  • Overall, 5.0% (1,295 people) of those having a colonoscopy following a positive screen were found to have bowel cancer. Three out of five cancers (63.4%) were diagnosed at the earliest two stages, when treatment is most likely to be successful.
  • In people eligible to participate, about one third of bowel cancers are identified through screening. These cancers are often at an earlier, more treatable stage which is why anyone sent a bowel screening test is encouraged to complete the test and return using the pre-paid envelope provided.
  • For further information, visit NHS Inform.

Peter Hastie, Macmillan External Affairs Manager in Scotland, comments on the latest bowel screening figures issued by the Scottish government: “This latest data continues to show an extremely worrying picture – there is a gap of 22 percentage points in the take up of bowel screening between the most and least deprived areas of Scotland. This isn’t fair, and it has to change.

“Macmillan is committed to working to address the huge gaps and the unfairness that exists in cancer care in Scotland. But we need to see more joined up action, so everyone gets the early diagnosis and support they need, whoever they are and wherever they live.

“As the election looms, we need commitments from the next Scottish Government to work with the health system, professionals, sector partners, community organisations and most importantly, people living with cancer, to fix this unfairness. We deserve nothing less.”

See Macmillan’s Holyrood election manifesto below:

macmillan-manifestoDownload

People living in Scotland aged 50 to 74 are sent a home bowel screening test every two years.

The test can be done in the privacy of your home and returned using the pre-paid envelope provided.

For more: http://nhsinform.scot/bowelscreening

#BowelScreeningScotland

#BowelCancerAwarenessMonth

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The smoking ban has shown that meaningful change is possible

Smoking rates in Scotland have halved, and thousands of lives have been saved since smokefree legislation came into force twenty years ago. As the anniversary approaches, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is highlighting the profound impact of the ban — a public health success story that continues to shape the nation’s wellbeing.

A new report, published today by PHS, shows the positive impact this decisive measure has had on non-smokers too. The legislation protected most people in Scotland from breathing in cigarette smoke during their daily lives and the public health gains are clear.

The reduction in second-hand smoke exposure resulted in fewer deaths and hospitalisations from heart attacks and strokes, as well as having a positive impact on the health of pregnant women and their babies. 

What’s more, today’s report highlights that we have made significant shifts in how we view tobacco in Scotland, with smoking having become less socially acceptable.

Commenting on the 20th anniversary of the implementation of Scotland’s smoke free legislation, Dr Garth Reid, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland, said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature death in Scotland.

“Thanks to the smoking ban we have historically low smoking rates in Scotland, and we’re keen to encourage more people to give up smoking as we progress to becoming smoke-free in 2034.

“Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the benefits start to happen quickly ­– even for people who have smoked for a long time. 

“Whether you’re ready to stop, or just beginning to think about it, the NHS Scotland stop smoking service, Quit Your Way, and your local pharmacy are here to help you stop smoking and stay stopped in a way that is right for you.”

Dr Rishma Maini, Consultant in Public Health at PHS said: “Scotland’s smoking ban shows that bold, preventative action works. We now have an opportunity to apply that same ambition to other major drivers of ill health, including overweight and obesity.

“For example, legislation and regulation to improve the food environment could make it easier and more affordable to access a healthy diet. If we get this right, we can deliver the same scale of change again, improving health and wellbeing for people across Scotland.”

Public Health Scotland is the lead national agency for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of all of Scotland’s people. We lead and support work across Scotland to prevent disease, prolong healthy life, reduce health inequalities and promote health and wellbeing.

*Scottish Health Survey (2024) Scottish Health Survey – gov.scot

Impact of the smoke-free public spaces legislation 20 years on: Evidence briefing.

More information about creating a tobacco-free generation by 2034 is available on the Scottish Government website: Tobacco Control Policy in Scotland – Background – Tobacco and vaping framework: roadmap to 2034 – gov.scot

Public Health Scotland: Update on Meningitis

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), other public health colleagues across the UK and NHS Boards in Scotland, to monitor the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.  

There are currently no cases known to be linked to this outbreak in Scotland and therefore no evidence of any increased risk here. 

Dr Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection Infection Services at PHS is encouraging everyone to be aware of signs and symptoms of meningitis: “Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can be very serious and life threatening if not treated quickly. 

“Signs and symptoms include a sudden high temperature, severe and worsening headache, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, confusion, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, a dislike of bright lights, and seizures (fits). These symptoms can appear in any order, but some may not appear. 

“If you or anyone you know develops symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.”

Vaccination against meningitis

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) continues to review evidence on the most effective use of meningococcal vaccines within the UK routine schedule.

There are currently no plans to offer MenB vaccination outside the existing routine childhood schedule, other than for those identified by the Incident Response Team in Kent.

Two different types of meningococcal vaccines are available in Scotland and are part of routine immunisation programmes for children and young people.  

  • The Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is offered to infants and young children under 2 years old.
  • The Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is offered to all young people in S3 as part of the school-based immunisation programme. This vaccine protects against disease caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.

Anyone who has missed the MenACWY vaccine offer can still receive this up to their 25th birthday. Visit www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents to find out how to catch up.

Parents are encouraged to check if their children are up to date on their vaccinations. For information on how to check your own or your child’s vaccination history, please visit: www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations

More information on signs and symptoms of meningitis is available at 

www.nhsinform.scot/meningitis

Ex-smokers back new national quitting campaign

NHSGGC and Public Health Scotland encourage smokers to ‘Quit Your Way’

A trio of people who quit smoking after a combined 120 years have backed a new national campaign aimed at helping smokers across Scotland quit.

Alan Duthie from Easterhouse, Karen Turnbull from Clydebank and Patricia Weir from Port Glasgow are complete strangers to each other, but they all have one thing in common – they all smoked from their early teens through to middle age, developing an addiction that impacted their health and drained their finances.

However, with free support from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, they now have one more thing in common – they’re all smoke-free thanks to Quit Your Way and they’re urging anyone who smokes to do the same.

Quit Your Way is the free national stop smoking service which offers information, advice and support, including nicotine replacement products and medication, to people who want to stop smoking.

In Greater Glasgow and Clyde, people can get face to face help to quit in groups or one-to-one settings, telephone support, access to a free app or help through their local pharmacy – all at no-cost. There’s also specialist help in maternity, mental health and prison services.

With around 600,000 people in Scotland still addicted to tobacco products, a fresh campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the range of free and confidential support available to help people stop smoking and stay stopped.

And Alan, Karen and Patricia – who all quit individually through NHSGGC support – are collectively encouraging anyone who wants to stop smoking to get in touch with Quit Your Way and take their first step towards going smoke-free.

Alan, 51, who’s six years smoke-free and got support at Easterhouse Health Centre, said: “I now see myself as a non-smoker, and other members of my family have joined me in quitting.

“I’d say to anyone who’s thinking of giving up – seize the opportunity and reach out for support. There’s always help and encouragement and the Quit Your Way team will gladly give you the assistance and encouragement you need.”

Karen, 55, who quit last April through Clydebank Health Centre, said: “Stopping smoking was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do but if I can do it, you can too.

“I called up the help line and got one-to-one support within a week. It made a huge difference and smoking just isn’t a part of my life anymore.”

Patricia, 62, who had her last cigarette in August 2025 and quit using the medication Varenicline, said: “I had tried before but the support from Quit Your Way made a difference this time.

“I’d been really ill and decided it was time to quit and now I feel much better and have more money in my pocket.”

Lisa Buck, NHSGGC Quit Your Way programme manager, said: “Stopping smoking brings health and wellbeing benefits within days and it can also save people thousands of pounds each year.

“Quit Your Way advisers can help people choose the free support that suits them best and with our help you’re more likely to stop smoking and stop for good.”

To find out more or to speak to a Quit Your Way advisor visit www.QuitYourWay.scot, drop in to your local pharmacy or call 0800 84 84 84.

Health: Scotland’s long waits reduce for 7 months in a row

Up to £20 million made available to boards to boost progress

Waiting lists continue to fall in Scotland with waits over 52 weeks reducing for 7 months in a row.

New figures from Public Health Scotland show at 31 December 2025 new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks had reduced by 15.4% when compared to November 2025. These waits have reduced every month since July 2025 with total waits over 52 weeks down by 40.1% in that period.

The data also shows long waits for inpatient and daycase procedures have fallen every month since July 2025, with 52 week waits decreasing by 23.9% in that period.

New operation statistics also show an increase in activity in the last year – between January 2025 and December 2025 the number of operations carried out increased by 5.6% compared to the same period the year before. A total of 274,638 procedures were carried out in this period.

To further build on this progress, extra funding of up to £20 million is being made available to health boards for the current year.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These latest figures show our plan is delivering for the people of Scotland and our NHS has turned a corner – we are seeing sustained progress in reducing waiting times with activity also increasing compared to last year.

“Thousands more appointments, operations and procedures are being delivered this year and we are determined to continue to build on this momentum, ensuring people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.

“We are seeing downward trends across nearly all waiting list indicators which shows our targeted investment this year is having a real impact on people’s lives. None of this would be possible without out hard-working NHS staff and I want to thank each and every one of them for the progress they are delivering.”

Together We Can: Public Health Scotland’s new 10-year strategy

Our 10-year strategy to 2035

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published its new 10-year strategy, Together We Can, setting out a clear and ambitious direction for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of people across Scotland. 

Scotland continues to face significant and urgent public health challenges. Too many people experience preventable ill health, and the gap in life expectancy between the most and least deprived communities remains far too wide. These pressures not only affect individuals and communities but also place increasing strain on health and public services across the country. 

Together We Can responds directly to these challenges. Our strategy provides a focused, evidence-based framework to bring national and local partners together around a shared purpose: improving life expectancy and narrowing health inequalities across the next decade.  

It sets out the practical steps PHS will take, and describes how collective action across Scotland’s public, third, and private sectors will be essential to achieving the scale of change required. 

Developed with extensive input from PHS staff, Board members, partners and stakeholders, the strategy reflects the insight, ambition and experience of people working across Scotland’s health and care system and beyond. Their contributions have shaped a direction that is both bold and deliverable. 

Our 10-year strategy to 2035

At the heart of the strategy are five drivers for change that will guide Scotland’s approach to improving public health over the coming decade: 

  • Building a prevention-focused system  
  • Improving social and economic conditions 
  • Strengthening places and communities 
  • Enabling healthy living 
  • Providing equitable access to health and care 

These drivers structure the actions PHS will take and set a clear foundation for how the organisation will work with partners to improve outcomes for people and communities. 

Ally Boyle, Chair of Public Health Scotland, said: “Scotland faces urgent public health challenges, from preventable ill health to deep rooted inequalities. Our strategy, Together We Can, sets out a clear ambition to tackle these challenges and improve health for everyone over the next decade. 

“Across every pillar of public health, we’ve been challenged to deliver real, measurable improvement over the next decade – and that is exactly what we intend to do.  

“We’ll achieve this by connecting people, ideas and experience, and by shaping a culture that values collaboration, creating the conditions where our shared ambition becomes real and lasting, and positive change is delivered for the people of Scotland.” 

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, said: “Together We Can sets out a bold and hopeful vision for the next decade, which shows how we will work to improve and protect the health of people in Scotland. It provides a focused, evidence-driven direction not just for Public Health Scotland, but for the nationwide effort needed to create meaningful, lasting change. 

“We know that no single organisation can shift Scotland’s health outcomes on its own. Real progress depends on working side by side with our partners across national and local government, the NHS, the third sector and communities everywhere. Therefore, this strategy is a shared commitment – one we will deliver collaboratively, drawing on the strengths and experiences of people and organisations across the country. 

“Together, we can improve life expectancy, narrow inequalities and create a fairer, healthier Scotland for everyone.”  

Public Health Scotland will continue to engage with partners, communities and staff to ensure the strategy leads to real improvements across Scotland.

Local government umbrella body Cosla commented:

Find out more and view our new 10-year strategy Together We Can on the PHS website.

together-we-can_our-10-year-strategy-to-2035_Download

Risk of death from cancer falls by 12%

People in Scotland are less likely to die from cancer, with the risk falling by 12% over the past decade, according to new figures published today by Public Health Scotland (PHS). 

The new report, which provides the latest insights in cancer mortality in Scotland, highlights that there was a small increase in the number of deaths due to cancer, from 16,011 in 2015 to 16,352 in 2024. This is caused by Scotland’s by Scotland’s ageing population, and older people are at higher risk of cancer.  

It also shows that those who die from cancer are now older than in the past.  In 2024, 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in people aged 70 and over, up from 66% in 2015. The average age at death also increased between 2000 and 2024, rising from 71 to 74 years for males, and from 72 to 74 years for females.  

Lung, colorectal (bowel), prostate, and breast cancers together accounted for 46% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer remained the leading cause, with 3,651 deaths in 2024, making up 22% of all cancer deaths. Most lung cancer deaths could be avoided by eliminating smoking. 

Professor David Morrison, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland, Scotland, said: “Cancer remains the most common cause of death in Scotland, but the risk has been falling over time.  

“Deaths from lung cancer have fallen by a quarter over the past 10 years, and oesophageal and bladder cancer deaths have also gone down.  We can see the huge benefits of fewer people smoking and more successful treatment of cancer in these latest figures.   

“Among women, the chances of dying from breast cancer have fallen by 11% over the last decade.  Breast screening picks up cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage and new treatment options have become available.   

“I would encourage anyone invited for cancer screening or offered HPV vaccination to take up the offers.”  

Reducing harm from tobacco by creating a smoke-free generation remains a priority for PHS, particularly given lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in Scotland.  This, together with reducing harm from alcohol, drugs and unhealthy foods, is one of the key actions outlined in our ten-year strategy, also published today, which sets out how we will work to improve Scotland’s health outcomes.  

A second cancer-focussed report published by PHS today, the Place of Death from Cancer in Scotland report, examines the place of death for people who died from cancer between 2015 and 2024. 

Of the 49,474 cancer deaths in Scotland during 2015–2024, 39% occurred in NHS hospitals, 37% occurred at home or a private address and 15% occurred in hospices. 

The Cancer Mortality in Scotland Annual Update 2024 report can be read here:

Cancer mortality in Scotland – Annual update to 2024 – Cancer mortality – Publications – Public Health Scotland

The Place of Death From Cancer in Scotland 2015 – 2024 report can be read here:  

Place of Death from Cancer in Scotland – 2015-2024 – Place of death from cancer in Scotland – Publications – Public Health Scotland

Information on cancer screening available for free through the NHS in Scotland can be found at:  Introduction to screening in Scotland | NHS inform 

More information on identifying, treating and managing cancers can be found on NHS Inform: Cancer | NHS inform 

Last year, we published a joint blog by Consultants in Public Health Medicine, Professor David Morrison, Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry and Dr Fatim Lakha, exploring the seemingly paradoxical good news within Scotland’s rising cancer statistics – and what it means for our future health and care system. 

Find out more about PHS’s ten-year strategy: Strategic vision – Together we can: our 10-year strategy to 2035 – What we do and how we work – About us – Public Health Scotland

Public Health Scotland: Transport Poverty Policy Review

Transport poverty is ‘a lack of transport of options that are: Available, Reliable, Affordable, Accessible and Safe that allow people to meet their daily needs and achieve a reasonable quality of life’.

This is a report of a review that aimed to assess whether selected national transport policies were likely to achieve a population level impact on dimensions of transport poverty in Scotland:

transport-poverty-policy-reviewDownload
transport-poverty-policy-review-summary-briefingDownload

Childhood vaccines

It’s important your child gets all the vaccines they are offered at the right time to make sure they’ve got longer-term protection as they grow up.

When it’s time, you’ll receive a letter from the NHS with details of the appointment and what vaccines they’re being offered.