Melanie Sturtevant, associate director of policy and evidence, at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“We cannot afford to be complacent about breast cancer. These new figures reveal the alarming rise in the number of women in Scotland who could be living with and beyond breast cancer within the next 20 years. These are women who must be guaranteed a prompt diagnosis, access to treatments and vital support.
“As it stands, far too many women across Scotland are not getting the breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and care they need and deserve. Instead, they tell us their experiences of enduring long, anxious waits for a diagnosis and treatment. And, on top of this, women from underserved groups also continue to miss out on vital breast screening, due to unacceptable disparities across health boards.
“To help deliver the real, lasting change needed, the Scottish Government must urgently fulfil its commitments in the Cancer Action Plan (2023/2026). This includes rapidly tackling lengthy cancer waiting times, introducing new standards to drive much needed improvements and assessing and addressing gaps in the cancer workforce.
“We also urge the Scottish Government to adopt the recommendations from the Breast Screening Modernisation Programme Board and provide the necessary resources to transform the Breast Screening Programme to ensure all women have equitable access and help save more lives from breast cancer.”
ENDS