Frances Logan, policy and public affairs lead, Scotland at Breast Cancer Now said:
“Today’s figures should be a stark reminder for the Scottish Government of the growing challenge of tackling breast cancer in Scotland. Breast cancer is already the most common cancer affecting women in Scotland, with data released today showing 5,208 new cases in 2024, a 13% increase compared to 2014 (4,613) [1].
“As outlined in our recent report ‘Scotland Demands Change’, we need renewed political ambition, prioritisation and investment in breast cancer to ensure everyone affected gets the best possible care and support, wherever they are.
“Diagnosing breast cancer early can make it easier to treat and improve survival. Yet Scotland continues to miss the achievable 80% NHS breast screening uptake target, and differences in waiting times between health boards risks creating a postcode lottery in people’s chances of getting diagnosed and treated quickly.
“The Scottish Government must make earlier diagnosis a priority by improving breast screening uptake and ensuring people have timely access to diagnostic services and treatment, wherever they live.
“As the number of people living with and beyond breast cancer continues to grow, we also urgently need better data to understand their experiences and plan services effectively. In particular, the Scottish Government must deliver on its commitment to routinely capture timely data on people living with metastatic breast cancer so the NHS can provide services and care which meet their needs.
“Breast Cancer Now stands ready to work with the new Scottish Government to help deliver the change that people urgently need and ultimately help save more lives from breast cancer.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
[1] Annual update up to 31 Dec 2024. Public Health Scotland (2026). Cancer incidence in Scotland.