Cancer Research UK calls for urgent action to save thousands of lives

New analysis from a leading cancer charity says that thousands of lives could be saved over the next 15 years if the next Scottish Government takes action.

Campaigners from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) have urged politicians to make cancer a priority as the charity publishes a manifesto for Scotland ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections.

The manifesto outlines the need for a fully-funded cancer strategy and the charity has said his ambition would prevent around 10,100 deaths in Scotland over the next 15 years.

CRUK has asked the next Scottish government to provide funding and deliver Scotland’s existing 10-year cancer strategy, tackle long waiting times and strengthen NHS capacity to meet patient need.

The charity says the new government should commit to reducing the cancer death rate in Scotland by 15% by 2040.

Chief executive of Cancer Research UK Michelle Mitchell, said: “Cancer has an immeasurable impact on people. Alongside the devastating human cost of cancer, this report also reveals there is a significant economic cost.

“It’s shocking how many lives could be shattered by this cancer crisis if the current situation fails to improve.

“Improving cancer survival in Scotland will require strong political will and decisive leadership.”

The charity’s manifesto also highlighted waiting times in Scotland are also currently the worst on record with only 68.9% of patients in March 2025 being seen within the 62-day target.

Mitchell continued: “With next year’s Scottish Parliament elections comes a vital opportunity to transform the NHS by funding the delivery of Scotland’s cancer strategy. This means tackling waiting times, driving innovative reforms, and investing in staff and equipment.

“Urgent action must also support life-saving research, earlier diagnoses and treatments, and effective prevention so that more people live longer, healthier lives free from the fear of cancer.”

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Scotland making up 26% of all deaths.

Campaigners gathered outside the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, including PhD student Shaumya Kularajan from the University of Glasgow.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer known as Hodgkin lymphoma in June 2020.

She is now in remission and is campaigning to spare others from “unnecessary heartache”.

Ms Kularajan said: “When you hear those words: ‘It’s cancer’, all you want to know is you or your loved one have the best possible chance of surviving.

“Cancer is the defining health issue of our time and it doesn’t discriminate. So many people’s lives are touched by this disease, and the numbers are only growing. It’s vital that saving lives comes before politics.

“We must make sure cancer is at the forefront of the minds of all future Scottish Parliament members so the right investments are made and enough new medical staff are trained so Scotland has a NHS workforce to meet demand.

“That’s why I’m supporting this campaign – I’m determined to help others and spare them from unnecessary heartache.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are treating more patients with cancer on time, within both standards, compared to the same quarter six years ago. It’s vital we maintain this progress and continue to do more to reduce cancer waiting times, especially for those cancers which are more aggressive. Cancer mortality risk is also at the lowest level on record.

“As we see an increasing number of eligible cancer referrals, that means we also see an increase in demand for diagnostics. That is why we have committed to a range of actions to tackle waits, including £21 million for imaging, increasing investment in chemotherapy services and expanding to seven-day radiology services.

“We are also increasing recruitment of staff, using mobile scanning units and reducing radiology backlogs so that 95% of referrals are seen within six weeks by March 2026.

“We look forward to continuing engagement with organisations like Cancer Research UK as we progress with our 10-year strategy and as we continue to invest in the excellent cancer research in Scotland’s world-class universities.”