Number Of New Cancer Cases Set To Rise By 33%
The number of people with cancer is predicted to increase by about a third by 2027, according to new figures.
Official statistics showed that new cases of cancer are projected to rise by 33% between 2008-2012 and 2023-2027, largely as a result of the population ageing.
Over the same period, it is predicted that the average number of cases a year will increase from more than 30,500 to more than 40,000, with lung cancer expected to continue to be the most common cancer.
The figures do not include those for non-melanoma skin cancer.
The Scottish Government highlighted that the number of people being diagnosed early has continued to increase, with 24.7% of cancer patients diagnosed at an early stage in 2013 and 2014.
But opposition politicians and charities have called for more action on the prevention, detection and treatment of the disease.
Liberal Democrat health spokesman Jim Hume said: "The Scottish Government must set out what it is going to do to prevent and alleviate this potential crisis.
"They must do everything possible to promote healthy living and to ensure hospitals are equipped with the resources they need to provide the best care.
"So far the Scottish Government has taken its eye off the ball, with the number of people waiting for more than six weeks for diagnostic tests doubling.''
Alison Johnstone, the Scottish Greens' health spokeswoman, said: "Screening and early diagnosis of cancer is essential as our population ages and historic levels of smoking start to come through.
"Equally important is prevention and these statistics are a reminder that more needs to be done to address factors influencing cancer.
"We need to improve our diet, our relationship with alcohol and tackle obesity. Scottish ministers need to go beyond modest marketing campaigns and really drive a culture change if we are to beat cancer.''
Eluned Hughes, acting director for Scotland, Breast Cancer Now, said: "We need to redouble our efforts if we want to stop women dying from breast cancer now.
"Worryingly, only just over four in ten women in Scotland regularly check their breasts; as breast cancer that is diagnosed early is far easier to treat, it's so important that women know the signs, so they can quickly take action.''
Health Secretary Shona Robison said the Government's £39 million detect cancer early programme had led to increased knowledge of cancer signs and symptoms.
She said: "It's very encouraging to see that an increasing proportion of cancer patients are getting the early diagnoses that we know are so crucial.
"Survival rates have also increased - 15,800 diagnosed this year will survive compared with 9,500 that would have survived 30 years ago.
"However, today's projections for a continued increase in the number of people with cancer shows that we must keep up our efforts.
"Lifestyle changes have a big part to play. Drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking, exercising more and eating healthily all play a part in decreasing cancer risk.''