Cancer Survival Up, 'But Could Be Higher'

More people would survive cancer if early detection rates mated the rest of Europe.

That's according to figures released today, which show more people are living through the disease than ever before. Nearly 16,000 cancer patients will survive this year - up from 9,500 30 years ago.

The Scottish Government and Cancer Research launched a campaign today highlighting high survival rates. Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, said:

"I know how daunting it can be to get a cancer diagnosis and the impact this has on an individual and their families’ lives. However, cancer isn’t what it used to be with more people than ever before now surviving a diagnosis. This is why it is time for the other, more positive side of the story to be told. Essentially turning the Big C into the wee c. The reality is that thanks to innovation and investment, there are around 176,000 people in Scotland who have been diagnosed with cancer over the last 20 years and who are still alive –over double the population of Inverness.

"Reframing the way cancer is viewed goes hand-in-hand with boosting survival rates and everyone can play a part. If we can raise awareness of what is being done to tackle cancer, we’ll hopefully, in time, be able to address the fear people have in seeing their GP or attending their screening appointment. The earlier you come forward to get checked or screened, the better, it could save your life.

"It’s hugely encouraging to see so many charities uniting to kick-start the wee c - this demonstrates the collective will behind reducing this fatalistic view of cancer and boosting survival rates in Scotland."

Alex Watson, 43, from Lenzie in East Dunbartonshire, received a testicular cancer diagnosis aged just 23. He attributes his long term survival to the scientists who worked to better understand the disease and develop new treatments. He said:

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be cured and to have survived testicular cancer. I’m proof that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t mean a death sentence - twenty years on, here I am living life to the full. Treatments are getting better all the time however people need to be aware of their body, and any changes that take place. It’s only when you get checked can you get treated for whatever is wrong, even if it’s not cancer.

"I’m backing the wee c as I believe, that while we’ve come so far, there is more to be done. It’s time for Scotland to unite in bringing cancer down to size."