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Cancer deaths fall
30/10/2012
Death rates from cancer in Scotland have fallen by 12 per cent over the last ten years, according to new figures.
Statistics released by ISD Scotland today show that the mortality rates for cancer reduced by 12 per cent between 2001 and 2011.
The statistics also show:
- In 2011, 15,375 people died from cancer
- The cancers that account for the greatest number of deaths in Scotland are lung, (4,178), bowel (1,526), breast (1,041) and prostate (900) cancer
- The rate of deaths due to breast cancer has reduced by 19 per cent over the last ten years, while lung cancer deaths have dropped by nine per cent, and bowel cancer deaths have fallen by 18 per cent
- Over the past 20 years, the percentage of patients with colorectal cancer that survive for at least 5 years has increased by 46 per cent, and for breast cancer patients it has increased by 34 per cent.
Health Secretary Alex Neil said:
"One in three people will develop cancer during their life but, as today's statistics show, earlier diagnosis and better treatment mean that the mortality rates are falling.
“Cancer remains a top health priority for both the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland. We have been making good progress in cancer treatment during the last two decades - screening for breast, bowel and cervical cancers have been introduced, and cancer is being diagnosed and treated earlier thanks to advances in treatments and investment in staff and equipment.
“However, we are determined to do more to meet the challenge of rising cancer rates, including that posed by the aging population and in particular take more action to improve cancer survival.
“That’s why we have placed a new emphasis on diagnosing and detecting cancer earlier through our Detect Cancer Early programme, which aims increase the proportion of Scots diagnosed in the earliest stages of cancer by 25 per cent.”
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