The number of people whose lives will be impacted by cancer is growing. Some will be affected directly, while others indirectly through family and loved ones. In Scotland, the incidence of cancer is projected to increase by 33% between 2023 and 2027. This is partly because Scotland’s population is ageing. Socioeconomic inequality is also a key driver of differences in cancer incidence, while the Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose challenges related to the treatment of cancers.

These factors can make for a grim outlook on the future of cancer in Scotland, but efforts are underway to counter them.

The Scottish Government is currently in the process of developing a new cancer strategy, and it launched a public consultation in the spring of 2022 seeking views on areas to prioritise within cancer prevention, management, and care. Alma Economics was commissioned to analyse the responses. We used rigorous descriptive and thematic analysis to identify overarching themes and key messages from this public consultation. This ensured that those impacted by cancer - including patients, their loved ones and relevant healthcare staff - could make their voices heard.

We identified the following overarching themes:

Prevention: respondents stressed the need to promote healthier lifestyles, raise awareness about cancer and risk factors, and facilitate earlier diagnoses.
Ensuring equal access: respondents highlighted the need to address unequal access to cancer care for those living in certain geographic areas and the socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Workforce support: respondents acknowledged the efforts and commitment of healthcare workers and highlighted the need to better support this workforce.
Research and innovation: respondents called for more research to develop innovative treatments and evidence-based approaches.
Secondary, rare, and less survivable cancers: respondents felt these types of cancers require greater visibility and attention than they currently receive.
Person-centred approach: respondents wanted patients and their experiences to be placed at the centre of the new cancer strategy, and for their voices to be heard throughout their cancer journeys.
Covid-19: respondents highlighted the importance of learning lessons from the impact of the pandemic on the health sector.
Planning for the new cancer strategy: respondents commented on the feasibility of the targets set, and proposed themes and areas of interest.

Our full report can be found here.

Consultation Analysis: New Cancer Strategy